Y3 Audit Cycle

The Y3 audit cycle refers to a phase within the seven-year IMO Member State Audit Scheme framework, under which each contracting government is audited once every seven years against its obligations as a flag, coastal, and port State. The scheme became mandatory on 1 January 2016, uses the III Code (resolution A.1070(28)) as its audit standard, and covers SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, Load Lines, Tonnage, and COLREG with their protocols. The audit schedule spreads member States across the cycle, so a given year covers a defined group. Findings are recorded and a corrective action plan tracks closure before the next cycle.