SOLAS Chapter IX International Safety Management ISM Code Audit

SOLAS Chapter IX requires every company and ship subject to ISM Code to hold a valid Document of Compliance (DOC) for the company and a Safety Management Certificate (SMC) for each ship, both issued by the flag state or a recognized organization. Internal ISM audits must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 12 months per ISM Code Section 12. This audit verifies that the Safety Management System (SMS) is effectively implemented across key elements: safety policy, risk assessment, emergency pre

  • Industry: Transportation & Logistics
  • Frequency: Annual
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: DPA/Ship Safety Manager
  • Total Items: 19
  • Compliance: SOLAS 1974 as amended, IMO Resolution MSC, ISM Code

DOC and SMC Certificate Currency

Verify that the company DOC and ship SMC are within their validity periods and reflect current vessel operations.

  • Company DOC current and covers ship types operated (not expired)?
  • Ship SMC current and valid for the flag of registry?
  • Copies of DOC and SMC available aboard vessel for Port State Control inspection?
  • SMC expiry date:

SMS Implementation Verification

Assess whether the safety management system is actually implemented in day-to-day operations, not just documented.

  • Crew familiar with their emergency duties and can describe them without reference to manual?
  • Risk assessments completed for non-routine operations before work begins?
  • Safety meetings held at required frequency per SMS and documented?
  • Maintenance planned maintenance system (PMS) records up to date for all critical equipment?

Non-Conformity and Near-Miss Reporting

ISM Code Section 9 requires reporting and investigation of hazardous occurrences and non-conformities.

  • Non-conformities and near-miss reports submitted in past 12 months reviewed?
  • Root cause analysis completed for significant non-conformities?
  • Corrective actions for past non-conformities verified as implemented?
  • Number of non-conformities reported in past 12 months:

Emergency Preparedness and Drills

ISM Code Section 8 requires emergency procedures to be practiced through regular drills.

  • Emergency drill schedule for the past 12 months reviewed; no missed mandatory drills?
  • Emergency contact list for DPA, shipowner, and RCC current and posted on bridge?
  • Master has unrestricted authority to take emergency actions as stated in SMS?

Internal Audit Completion and Management Review

Document the internal audit findings and confirm management review has been conducted per ISM Code Section 12.

  • All major non-conformities from previous audit closed out?
  • Management review of SMS effectiveness conducted in past 12 months?
  • Non-conformities found in this audit (describe or None):
  • Lead auditor signature and audit date:

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Why Use This SOLAS Chapter IX International Safety Management ISM Code Audit?

This solas chapter ix international safety management ism code audit helps transportation & logistics teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for dpa/ship safety manager professionals, this checklist covers 19 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: annual.

Ensures compliance with SOLAS 1974 as amended, IMO Resolution MSC, ISM Code. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the SOLAS Chapter IX International Safety Management ISM Code Audit cover?

This checklist covers 19 inspection items across 5 sections: DOC and SMC Certificate Currency, SMS Implementation Verification, Non-Conformity and Near-Miss Reporting, Emergency Preparedness and Drills, Internal Audit Completion and Management Review. It is designed for transportation & logistics operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annual. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this SOLAS Chapter IX International Safety Management ISM Code Audit?

This checklist is designed for DPA/Ship Safety Manager professionals in the transportation & logistics industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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