QUESTION 2.2.2

Internal ISM audits and non-conformity closure

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGDocumentation

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether recent internal ISM audits were completed within the required interval, whether the latest reports are onboard and whether each non-conformity was corrected, verified and closed through shore management.

Ready onboard

0/7 complete

AUDIT INTERVALThe audit schedule and reports demonstrate compliance with the annual interval or document an authorised exceptional extension.REPORTSThe latest two completed audit reports under the current operator are available where applicable.INDEPENDENCEThe auditor was independent of the audited activity and suitably competent.TRACKERNon-conformities, observations and corrective actions are recorded with owners and target dates.ROOT CAUSEMaterial non-conformities include a credible cause analysis and action addressing both immediate and systemic failure.VERIFICATIONShore management has verified effectiveness and formally closed completed actions.CREW AWARENESSResponsible officers know the findings assigned to their departments and the controls still open.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1When was the last internal ISM audit and what was its formal status?

Show the report date, scope, auditor, findings and closure status against the audit schedule.

2Trace one non-conformity from finding to verified closure.

Link cause, correction, corrective action, evidence, completion date and shore effectiveness verification.

3What happens if corrective action cannot be completed by its target date?

Escalate under the SMS, assess continuing risk, approve a revised date and maintain documented interim controls.

4How was auditor independence established?

Identify the auditor's role and show that the person did not audit work for which they were directly responsible.

5Which audit action remains open and how is the vessel operating safely meanwhile?

State the open action, responsible person, due date, interim control and management monitoring.

Where an observation may arise

OVERDUE AUDIT

The audit interval is exceeded without documented exceptional circumstances acceptable under the SMS.

UNAVAILABLE REPORT

Recent internal-audit reports cannot be produced onboard.

WEAK TRACKING

Findings have no responsible person, deadline, completion evidence or clear status.

NO VERIFICATION

The vessel marked an action complete but shore management did not verify effectiveness.

REPEAT FAILURE

A repeated non-conformity was closed without addressing its underlying cause.

KNOWLEDGE

Responsible officers are unaware of open audit findings affecting their duties.

Master's practical note

Do not prepare only the latest report. Inspectors may compare two audit cycles to see whether closure was real or the same weakness returned under different wording.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: The ISM Code permits limited exceptional extension of the internal-audit interval. Apply flag and company requirements and retain the documented justification and approval.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 2.2.2
ISM Code sections 9 and 12
IMO Resolution A.1118(30), Revised Guidelines on the Implementation of the ISM Code by Administrations

Last reviewed: 2026-09-09