External Audit

An external audit is a verification of a company’s ISM, ISPS, or MLC management system carried out by the flag administration or a recognized organization on its behalf, as opposed to the company’s own internal audit. For ISM, the external audit cycle (initial, annual or intermediate, and renewal) supports the Document of Compliance issued to the company and the Safety Management Certificate issued to each ship. ISPS verification supports the International Ship Security Certificate; MLC inspection supports the Maritime Labour Certificate. The auditor samples records and observes practice to confirm the documented system is implemented onboard and ashore.