The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has completed the first audit cycle under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), with 168 Member States audited on how effectively they implement IMO regulations, since the Scheme became mandatory in 2016.
IMSAS helps Member States strengthen how they implement and enforce IMO regulations, making shipping safer, more secure and more environmentally sustainable.
With 94% of IMO Member States audited, the first cycle represents one of the most extensive collective assessments of global maritime governance ever undertaken.
Audits driving stronger technical assistance
The first audit cycle has generated a valuable body of evidence on how IMO instruments are being implemented around the world.
Audit findings, corrective action plans (CAPs) and the analysis of consolidated audit reports (CASRs) have highlighted recurrent areas requiring attention and their underlying root causes.
This information enables IMO to target technical assistance where it is needed most, helping Member States address gaps, implement corrective actions, and enhance the implementation and enforcement of applicable IMO instruments.
It also supports the implementation of IMO’s Capacity-Development Strategy which recognises IMSAS outcomes as a key driver in shaping needs-based capacity-development programmes and projects under the Organization’s thematic technical cooperation framework.
Second cycle begins in 2027
The second audit cycle will commence in July 2027 under the revised Framework and Procedures for IMSAS.
The revised Scheme introduces the IMSAS Continuous Monitoring Mechanism (ICMM), featuring a more risk-based, data-driven and transparent approach. This supports continuous monitoring, audit prioritisation and stronger integration of audit outcomes into IMO’s capacity-development and technical cooperation activities.
Strong commitment from Member States
The completion of the first audit cycle highlights the strong and sustained commitment of Member States to ensuring the effective and consistent implementation of applicable IMO instruments, globally.
The active participation of Member States and the work of the hundreds of auditors nominated by Governments have been central to the Scheme’s success.
IMO Member State Audit Scheme
The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) was established to promote the consistent and effective implementation of the applicable IMO instruments. The Scheme also supports Member States in enhancing their individual and overall performance in fulfilling the obligations and requirements stemming from the instruments to which they are a Party.
The IMO Instruments Implementation Code provides the regulatory framework that links the provisions of the mandatory IMO instruments with the requirements relating to a Member State’s obligations and responsibilities for their effective implementation and enforcement. The III Code also serves as the audit standard and guidance to Member States on how best to discharge their obligations as flag, coastal and/or port States.
Each Member State, as a Contracting Government or Party, is subject to periodic audits by the Organization every nine years, based on the guidelines developed by the Organization. Each Member State is also responsible for facilitating the conduct of the audits and implementing a programme of actions to address the findings recorded during the audit.
Member State audits are organized and implemented through a Quality Management System which complies with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015. The certified quality management system ensures that audits and all related activities are performed in accordance with the principles of sovereignty and universality; consistency, fairness, objectivity and timeliness; transparency and disclosure; cooperation and continual improvement, as stipulated in the Framework and Procedures.
The first cycle of mandatory audits commenced in January 2016. During this cycle, a total of 168 audits were conducted. The first audit cycle concluded in June 2026.The second audit cycle is scheduled to commence in July 2027 and is expected to be completed by December 2036.
