THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IMO MEMBER STATE AUDIT SCHEME (IMSAS)

Following the introduction of the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS) adopted in 2005, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) moved towards the adoption of a mandatory audit scheme, which was implemented starting in 2016 with the aim of determining the extent to which Member States are effectively fulfilling their obligations and responsibilities under IMO treaties.

The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) was first embodied in resolution A.946(23), adopted by the Assembly at its 23rd session in November 2003, as an Audit Scheme on a voluntary basis. The adoption of the framework and procedures for the VIMSAS at the 24th session of the IMO Assembly (2005) marked the beginning of a new era, from which the Organization has at its disposal a tool to achieve the harmonized and uniform implementation of its standards worldwide, indispensable for the achievement of its objectives. 

The institutionalization of the Audit Scheme began during the 2014-2015 biennium with the adoption of amendments to eight treaties that made mandatory the use of the "Code for the Implementation of IMO Instruments (Code III)" (resolution A.1070(28) and the audits of Parties to such treaties. The basis for conducting mandatory audits under all instruments included in the scope of the Scheme was completed on February 28, 2018 with the entry into force of the relevant amendments to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 (LL 1966).

Mandatory IMO instruments included in the scope of the IMSAS Plan cover the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS Convention and its 1988 Protocol); Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Convention); Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (Training Convention, STCW 1978); Load Lines (LL 1966 and its 1988 Protocol); Tonnage Measurement of Ships (Tonnage Convention 1969); and Regulations for Preventing Collisions (Collisions Regulations 1972).