Audit (Internal)

An internal audit is the company’s own verification of its safety management system, required by ISM Code paragraph 12. The company carries out internal audits onboard and ashore at intervals not exceeding twelve months to check that activities comply with the SMS and the ISM Code. Auditors must be independent of the area being audited unless the company size makes this impracticable. Results are reported to the personnel responsible and to the Designated Person Ashore, and corrective action closes any nonconformity. The internal audit is distinct from the external ISM audit that the flag State or recognized organization performs to certify the company and ship.