The maritime industry operates under one of the most tightly regulated frameworks in global trade, where compliance with international conventions is not optional but a legal and operational necessity for shipowners, operators, and port authorities alike. Failure to meet these regulatory requirements can result in vessel detentions, financial penalties, reputational damage, and, most critically, threats to the safety of crew, cargo, and the marine environment. This specialized training course provides a comprehensive examination of the core regulatory instruments governing maritime operations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) framework, the SOLAS Convention, the MARPOL Convention, the ISPS Code, and the ISM Code, along with the practical mechanisms used to conduct compliance audits and maintain regulatory certification. This course is delivered by The British Academy for Training and Development through the Maritime Regulatory Compliance with IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL and ISM Code Requirements Training Course, a program designed to give participants a working command of international maritime regulations and the practical skills needed to implement, monitor, and audit compliance systems on board vessels and within maritime organizations. Throughout the program, trainees gain the tools to interpret regulatory requirements, prepare for inspections and audits, and embed a culture of compliance across maritime operations.

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role and structure of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its regulatory instruments.
• Explain the key safety requirements established under the SOLAS Convention.
• Apply the environmental protection standards set out in the MARPOL Convention.
• Identify the security requirements mandated by the ISPS Code for vessels and port facilities.
• Interpret the safety management principles required under the ISM Code.
• Conduct and support internal and external compliance audits.
• Prepare documentation and records required for regulatory inspections and certification.
• Identify common non-conformities and corrective action procedures.
• Apply best practices for building a sustainable culture of regulatory compliance within maritime organizations.

Target Group

This course is designed for a wide range of professionals working in the maritime and shipping sector, including:

• Ship captains, officers, and crew members responsible for onboard compliance.
• Designated Persons Ashore (DPA) and safety management system coordinators.
• Port state control officers and flag state inspectors.
• Compliance officers and quality assurance managers in shipping companies.
• Marine surveyors and auditors.
• Port facility security officers and terminal operations staff.
• Environmental and HSE managers within maritime organizations.
• Anyone seeking to build expertise in maritime regulatory compliance and audit management.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Framework

• Structure and role of the IMO within global maritime governance.
• Overview of key IMO conventions and their objectives.
• Process for adopting and implementing IMO regulations at the national level.
• Relationship between IMO instruments and flag state responsibilities.
• Role of port state control in enforcing IMO regulations.

SOLAS Convention Requirements

• Core safety requirements under the SOLAS Convention.
• Life-saving appliances and firefighting equipment standards.
• Vessel construction, stability, and structural safety requirements.
• Emergency preparedness and drills mandated under SOLAS.
• Certification and survey requirements for SOLAS compliance.

MARPOL Convention and Environmental Protection

• Structure and annexes of the MARPOL Convention.
• Requirements for preventing oil, chemical, and garbage pollution.
• Air emissions standards and sulphur content regulations.
• Ballast water management requirements.
• Documentation and record-keeping obligations under MARPOL.

ISPS Code and Maritime Security

• Objectives and structure of the ISPS Code.
• Security levels and their operational implications.
• Roles of the Ship Security Officer and Port Facility Security Officer.
• Development and implementation of ship and port security plans.
• Security assessments and drills required under the ISPS Code.

ISM Code and Safety Management Systems

• Principles and objectives of the ISM Code.
• Structure and components of a Safety Management System (SMS).
• Roles and responsibilities of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA).
• Non-conformity reporting and corrective action procedures.
• Certification process: Document of Compliance and Safety Management Certificate.

Compliance Audits and Inspection Procedures

• Types of audits: internal, external, and flag state inspections.
• Preparing documentation for port state control inspections.
• Common deficiencies identified during compliance audits.
• Audit planning, execution, and reporting procedures.
• Follow-up actions and closing non-conformities.

Building a Culture of Regulatory Compliance

• Integrating compliance into daily maritime operations.
• Training and awareness programs for crew and shore staff.
• Role of leadership in sustaining compliance standards.
• Continuous improvement approaches to regulatory management.
• Emerging regulatory trends and their impact on compliance strategies.