How can IMO Member State audits be conducted remotely? This
was one item on the table for discussion during a virtual meeting of all
auditors under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS)
Amidst ongoing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,
the meeting provided a forum to update all auditors on the impact of the
disruption on the implementation of audits under the Scheme. Participants
discussed the use of possible remote audit mechanism aimed at preventing
further postponements of the audits. This process is crucial as it promotes the
consistent and effective implementation of the applicable IMO instruments and
assists Member States to improve their capabilities as flag, coastal and port
States.
Attended by 98 auditors from 50 Member States, the meeting
provided a valuable platform to explore the next steps in the conduct of audits
for 2021 and beyond using new collaborative approaches for the conduct of
remote audits.
To date 76 Member State audits have been conducted under the
Scheme, up to March 2020. Further audits originally scheduled for 2020 are
being rescheduled and moved to 2021.