Maritime administrations from 13 French-speaking countries are enhancing their preparedness for the next audit cycle under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).
A regional workshop in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (9-13 November), led by IMO in cooperation with the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of Côte d'Ivoire, brings together maritime administrations and Single Points of Contact (SPCs) - the designated official or unit appointed by a Member State to act as the primary liaison between the country and the IMO audit team - from 13 French-speaking Member States*.
Preparing for the second audit cycle
Ahead of the commencement of the second audit cycle in July 2027, the workshop is based on the revised Framework and Procedures for IMSAS (resolution A.1211(34)). Participants are examining key changes to the audit process, including the introduction of the IMO Continuous Monitoring Mechanism (ICMM) and a risk-based approach to audit prioritization.
The training also focuses on the practical and administrative arrangements required for effective audit preparation and implementation. Topics include the Audit Standard (III Code), the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), the State Audit Questionnaire (SAQ), the Verification Index, and gap analysis using the Non-exhaustive List of Obligations (resolution A.1208(34)).
By strengthening national capacities and promoting continuous improvement, the workshop supports sustained compliance with applicable IMO instruments and enhances Member States' ability to meet their international obligations.
Organized under IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), the activity forms part of the thematic programme on improving compliance with international maritime standards through IMSAS. The workshop reflects IMO's commitment to gender inclusion, with women accounting for 31% of participants.
*Participating Member States are Benin, Cameroon, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Haiti, Madagascar, Mauritania, Senegal and Togo.
