The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has completed the first global audit cycle under its mandatory IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), marking a major milestone in efforts to strengthen the implementation of international maritime regulations. Since the Scheme became mandatory in 2016, 168 Member States have been audited to assess how effectively they implement and enforce IMO conventions and standards.

According to the IMO, the audits covered approximately 94% of its Member States, making the initiative one of the largest coordinated assessments of global maritime governance ever undertaken. The Scheme is designed to help governments improve compliance with international regulations that support safer shipping, stronger maritime security, and environmental protection.

Audit Findings Guide Future Maritime Capacity Building

The first audit cycle has produced a comprehensive body of evidence on how IMO instruments are being implemented worldwide. Audit findings, Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), and Consolidated Audit Summary Reports (CASRs) have identified recurring implementation challenges and their underlying causes.

The IMO said these findings will help direct technical assistance to areas where it is needed most. The information will support Member States in addressing regulatory gaps, strengthening enforcement, and improving compliance with international maritime standards.

The audit outcomes also contribute to the implementation of the IMO Capacity-Development Strategy, adopted under Resolution A.1205(34). The strategy identifies IMSAS results as an important tool for designing needs-based technical cooperation and capacity-building programmes.

Second Audit Cycle to Begin in 2027

The second IMSAS audit cycle is scheduled to begin in July 2027 under the revised Framework and Procedures adopted through Resolution A.1211(34). The updated framework introduces the IMSAS Continuous Monitoring Mechanism (ICMM), which adopts a more risk-based, data-driven, and transparent approach to monitoring Member State performance.

According to the IMO, the new mechanism will strengthen continuous oversight, improve audit prioritization, and better integrate audit findings into future technical cooperation and capacity-development activities.

Member States Encouraged to Expand Auditor Participation

The IMO said the successful completion of the first audit cycle reflects the continued commitment of Member States to ensuring the consistent implementation of international maritime regulations. The Organization also acknowledged the contribution of hundreds of government-nominated auditors who participated throughout the process.

Looking ahead, the IMO has encouraged Member States to continue nominating qualified auditors, with particular emphasis on increasing participation by women and young maritime professionals, in line with Circular Letter No. 5105. The Organization says broader participation will help strengthen future audit cycles and support global maritime governance.