IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) in IMO GISIS

Why Auditing States Matters as Much as Auditing Ships

International maritime safety, security, and environmental protection depend not only on ships and companies, but also—very fundamentally—on how States implement and enforce international maritime rules. Even the strongest international conventions can fail if States do not apply them consistently, transparently, and effectively.

For many years, the maritime regulatory system focused mainly on:

Ship compliance
Classification and certification
Port State Control inspections

However, experience showed that systemic weaknesses at the State level—such as insufficient legislation, weak administration, poor oversight of delegated organizations, or lack of enforcement—were often at the root of repeated safety and pollution problems.

To address this gap, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) established the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). This scheme evaluates how well IMO Member States implement and enforce mandatory IMO instruments in their roles as flag States, port States, and coastal States.

To support transparency and governance, information related to IMSAS is made available through the “IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS)” module of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).

This article provides a comprehensive introduction and practical guide to the IMSAS option in GISIS. It explains what IMSAS is, why it exists, how it works, what information is visible in GISIS, and why this module is critically important for maritime administrations, policymakers, educators, researchers, and industry stakeholders worldwide.

Understanding GISIS and Its Role in Maritime Governance Oversight

What Is the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System?

The IMO GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) is an online platform managed by the International Maritime Organization that provides transparent and reliable data on ships, companies, flag States, and maritime compliance. It brings together information on safety, security, pollution prevention, port State control, and casualty reports in one place. For seafarers, maritime professionals, researchers, and regulators, IMO GISIS is a trusted tool to check vessel records, track compliance with IMO conventions, and understand global shipping performance. Its free public access supports safer seas, better regulation, and informed decision-making across the maritime industry.

The IMSAS module focuses on how States perform, rather than how individual ships comply.

What Is the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS)?

Definition of IMSAS

The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) is a mechanism through which IMO Member States are audited to assess:

Their implementation of mandatory IMO instruments
Their enforcement and oversight arrangements
Their administrative, legal, and institutional capacity

IMSAS audits cover State responsibilities under instruments such as:

SOLAS
MARPOL
STCW
Load Line Convention
COLREG

From Voluntary to Mandatory Audits

Originally, IMO audits were voluntary. Over time, the international community recognized that:

Voluntary participation was uneven
Comparability was limited
Global consistency required a mandatory approach

As a result, IMSAS became mandatory, forming a central pillar of modern maritime governance.

Legal Basis of IMSAS

Link with the III Code

IMSAS audits are conducted against the standards set out in the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code).

In simple terms:

The III Code defines what States must do
IMSAS checks whether States are doing it

This creates a structured and objective audit framework.

Mandatory Application

IMSAS is made mandatory through amendments to:

SOLAS
MARPOL
Load Line Convention
STCW Convention

All Contracting Governments to these instruments are therefore subject to IMSAS audits.

Why IMSAS Is Important for Global Shipping

Addressing Root Causes of Non-Compliance

Many safety and pollution problems stem from:

Weak national legislation
Insufficient survey and certification systems
Poor oversight of Recognized Organizations
Inadequate Port State Control regimes

IMSAS helps identify these system-level weaknesses.

Ensuring Fairness and a Level Playing Field

By auditing all States against the same standards, IMSAS:

Promotes consistent application of IMO rules
Reduces regulatory gaps
Supports fair competition in global shipping

Scope of IMSAS Audits

State Roles Covered

IMSAS evaluates State performance in three roles:

Flag State
Port State
Coastal State

Each role involves different obligations and responsibilities.

Areas Examined During Audits

Audits typically assess:

National maritime legislation
Administrative organization
Personnel competence and training
Delegation and oversight of Recognized Organizations
Accident investigation arrangements
Monitoring, review, and corrective actions

Purpose of the IMSAS Module in GISIS

Core Objectives

The IMSAS module in GISIS aims to:

Provide information related to the audit scheme
Improve transparency of audit processes
Support understanding of State-level compliance
Assist capacity building and governance learning

It is a governance and reference tool, not an audit report publication system.

What Information Is Available in the GISIS IMSAS Module?

Types of Information Provided

Depending on IMO disclosure rules and Member State consent, the module may include:

General information about IMSAS
Audit schedules and frameworks
References to applicable IMO instruments
Explanatory material on audit methodology

Detailed audit findings, non-conformities, and corrective action plans are not publicly disclosed.

Who Participates in IMSAS?

Role of IMO Member States

All IMO Member States:

Are subject to IMSAS audits
Prepare national self-assessments
Participate in audit and follow-up processes

Role of the IMO Secretariat

The IMO Secretariat:

Coordinates the audit programme
Trains and appoints auditors
Ensures consistency and confidentiality

Role of Auditors

IMSAS auditors are:

Qualified experts from Member States
Trained and approved by the IMO
Required to act independently and objectively

How to Access the IMSAS Module in GISIS

Step 1: Access the GISIS Platform

Users access GISIS through the IMO website.

Step 2: Select “IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS)”

From the list of GISIS modules, users select IMSAS.

Step 3: Review Available Information

Users can:

Understand the audit framework
Learn about State obligations
Use the information for education and policy analysis

Relationship Between IMSAS and Other GISIS Modules

The IMSAS module is closely linked with:

IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) – audit standards
Recognized Organizations – delegation oversight
Port State Control – enforcement outcomes
Marine Casualties and Incidents – safety performance indicators
Survey and Certification – statutory compliance mechanisms

Together, these modules provide a full governance feedback loop.

Importance of IMSAS for Safety and Environmental Protection

Strengthening Prevention

By improving State systems, IMSAS:

Reduces the likelihood of accidents
Improves pollution prevention
Enhances enforcement effectiveness

Supporting Continuous Improvement

IMSAS promotes:

Self-assessment
Corrective action
Long-term capacity building

This aligns with modern quality management principles.

Practical Use Cases of the IMSAS Module

Maritime Administrations

Administrations use IMSAS information to:

Prepare for audits
Review institutional arrangements
Benchmark governance structures

Policymakers and Regulators

Policymakers use the framework to:

Strengthen national maritime legislation
Improve coordination between agencies
Allocate resources effectively

Educators and Researchers

Academia uses IMSAS information to:

Study maritime governance effectiveness
Teach international maritime administration
Analyze systemic safety performance

Common Misunderstandings About IMSAS

IMSAS Is Not a Punitive System

IMSAS:

Does not impose fines or sanctions
Focuses on improvement, not punishment
Encourages cooperation and assistance

IMSAS Does Not Replace Port State Control

PSC inspects ships.
IMSAS audits States.
Both systems are complementary.

Best Practices for Using the GISIS IMSAS Module

Use it as a governance reference, not a ranking tool
Combine it with III Code understanding
Integrate IMSAS concepts into maritime administration training
Use it to support policy reform and institutional strengthening

Educational Value for Maritime Training and Academia

For maritime education, the IMSAS module provides:

Insight into international maritime governance
Understanding of State accountability mechanisms
Real-world examples of systemic compliance

It is especially useful in courses on:

Maritime law and policy
Maritime administration
International governance systems
Safety management and regulation

IMSAS in the Future of Maritime Regulation

Expanding Expectations

As shipping faces new challenges such as:

Decarbonisation
Digitalisation
Cybersecurity

State governance quality will become even more critical.

Role of Digital Platforms Like GISIS

GISIS supports:

Transparency
Knowledge sharing
Capacity building

IMSAS information will continue to underpin global trust in the maritime system.

Conclusion: Auditing States to Protect Lives, Oceans, and Trade

The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) option in the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System represents a major evolution in international maritime governance.

By systematically assessing how States implement and enforce IMO instruments, IMSAS addresses the root causes of maritime accidents, pollution, and non-compliance. The GISIS IMSAS module provides a clear and authoritative gateway to understanding this essential oversight mechanism.

For administrations, policymakers, educators, researchers, and maritime professionals, this module offers a strategic view of how global shipping is governed beyond ships and companies.

In a sector where trust, consistency, and accountability are vital, IMSAS ensures that States themselves meet the standards they have agreed to uphold—strengthening safety, protecting the environment, and supporting sustainable maritime transport worldwide.

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