Vessel Safety Management System (SMS) Internal Audit Checklist
This vessel Safety Management System (SMS) internal audit checklist ensures compliance with the IMO International Safety Management (ISM) Code (SOLAS Chapter IX), flag state Document of Compliance (DOC) requirements, and ISM Code Section 12 Internal Audit obligations. Designed for Designated Persons Ashore (DPA) and Company Safety Officers conducting annual internal SMS audits.
- Industry: Maritime
- Frequency: Annual
- Estimated Time: 4-6 hours
- Role: Designated Person Ashore (DPA) / SMS Auditor
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: IMO ISM Code SOLAS Chapter IX, IMO Resolution MSC.273(85) ISM Code, SOLAS Chapter IX Safety Management, Flag State Document of Compliance Requirements, OCIMF TMSA Tanker Management Self-Assessment
Safety and Environmental Policy
ISM Code Section 2 policy requirements.
- Company Safety and Environmental Protection Policy documented and signed by senior management?
- Policy communicated to all company and shipboard personnel?
- Safety and environmental objectives established and measurable?
- Policy reviewed within last 2 years?
- Designated Person Ashore (DPA) appointed with direct access to highest management?
Procedures and Instructions
SMS documentation currency and availability.
- SMS Manual and all procedures available on board in working language?
- All SMS documents properly version-controlled and current?
- Procedures for critical shipboard operations (mooring, anchoring, cargo) documented?
- Emergency response procedures for all foreseeable emergencies documented?
- Master's overriding authority for safety clearly defined and understood?
Drills and Training
ISM Code Section 8 emergency preparedness.
- Drills conducted per ISM and SOLAS minimum frequency requirements?
- All drills recorded in official logbook?
- New crew familiarization procedure completed within 24 hours of joining?
- Crew training records current and maintained?
- Muster list current and posted in prominent locations?
Non-conformities and Accidents
ISM Code Section 9 reporting and investigation.
- All non-conformities reported and entered in SMS?
- All accidents and near-misses investigated for root cause?
- Corrective and preventive actions implemented and tracked to closure?
- Lessons learned from incidents shared fleet-wide?
- NC trending analysis conducted to identify systemic issues?
Planned Maintenance
ISM Code Section 10 maintenance requirements.
- Planned Maintenance System (PMS) in place covering all critical equipment?
- No critical overdue maintenance items outstanding?
- Critical equipment identified and maintenance procedures defined?
- Critical spare parts list maintained and spares available on board?
- All class-required maintenance items current?
SMS Certificates and Records
ISM certification and documentation.
- Safety Management Certificate (SMC) current and on board?
- Document of Compliance (DOC) or certified copy on board?
- Last internal SMS audit report on file with findings closed?
- Annual management review of SMS effectiveness documented?
- SMS Audit Notes
Related Maritime Checklists
- Fleet Safety Performance KPI and Reporting Checklist
- OCIMF SIRE Vessel Vetting Inspection Preparation Checklist
- Shipboard Safety Committee Meeting Checklist
- Vessel Pre-Departure Safety Inspection Checklist
- Bridge Watchkeeping and STCW Compliance Checklist
- Cargo Loading and Vessel Stability Checklist
- Engine Room Safety and MARPOL Operations Checklist
Related Safety Management Checklists
- Fleet Safety Performance KPI and Reporting Checklist - FREE Download
- OCIMF SIRE Vessel Vetting Inspection Preparation Checklist - FREE Download
- Shipboard Safety Committee Meeting Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Vessel Safety Management System (SMS) Internal Audit Checklist?
This vessel safety management system (sms) internal audit checklist helps maritime teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for designated person ashore (dpa) / sms auditor professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: annual.
Ensures compliance with IMO ISM Code SOLAS Chapter IX, IMO Resolution MSC.273(85) ISM Code, SOLAS Chapter IX Safety Management, Flag State Document of Compliance Requirements, OCIMF TMSA Tanker Management Self-Assessment. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vessel Safety Management System (SMS) Internal Audit Checklist?
A Vessel Safety Management System (SMS) Internal Audit Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by designated person ashore (dpa) / sms auditor to ensure consistent maritime operations. It contains 35 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE vessel SMS internal audit checklist PDF. IMO ISM Code SOLAS Chapter IX, DPA designated person ashore, Document of Compliance DOC audit standards. 35+ SMS audit checks. Download FREE template now.
How often should I use this maritime checklist?
This checklist is designed to be completed annual. Regular use ensures compliance with IMO ISM Code SOLAS Chapter IX and IMO Resolution MSC.273(85) ISM Code and helps identify issues before they become problems.
Can I download this Vessel Safety Management System (SMS) Internal Audit Checklist as a PDF?
Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 35 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 4-6 hours to complete.
What compliance standards does this checklist cover?
This checklist helps ensure compliance with IMO ISM Code SOLAS Chapter IX, IMO Resolution MSC.273(85) ISM Code, SOLAS Chapter IX Safety Management, Flag State Document of Compliance Requirements, OCIMF TMSA Tanker Management Self-Assessment. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.
How do I complete this maritime inspection checklist?
Begin by completing the header fields for Vessel Name / IMO Number, Audit Date, DPA / Auditor Name, Flag State, and Vessel Type. Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. The entire process takes approximately 4 to 6 hours.
What are the key sections in this maritime checklist?
This maritime checklist is organized into 6 key sections: Safety and Environmental Policy, Procedures and Instructions, Drills and Training, Non-conformities and Accidents, Planned Maintenance, SMS Certificates and Records. Each section contains specific inspection points that designated person ashore (dpa) / sms auditor must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during maritime inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 4-6 hours to complete.
Who should use this Vessel Safety Management System (SMS) Internal Audit Checklist?
This checklist is primarily designed for designated person ashore (dpa) / sms auditor working in maritime operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that maritime standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this Vessel Safety Management System (SMS) Internal Audit Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.