A clear view of your safety system

ISM, ISPS & MLC Auditing & Compliance

Practical, independent assurance for your vessels and shoreside operations.

Liberation Maritime provides internal audits, independent compliance reviews and inspection preparation across the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

We help owners, operators and vessel teams understand where their arrangements are effective, where gaps exist and what action is needed. Our approach combines experienced maritime judgement with structured auditing, supported by ISM Lead Auditor training aligned with ISO 19011 auditing guidelines.

ISM Auditing & Safety Management

We assess how effectively your Safety Management System is implemented onboard and ashore, examining both documented procedures and everyday working practices.

Our support includes:

• Shipboard and shoreside internal audits — reviewing implementation of the SMS, responsibilities, reporting arrangements and management oversight.

• Independent compliance reviews — assessing the effectiveness of existing arrangements and identifying gaps ahead of external verification.

• Operational inspections — examining risk assessments, permit-to-work systems, maintenance arrangements, emergency preparedness and the management of critical equipment.

• Incident and near-miss reporting reviews — assessing how events are reported, investigated and used to improve operations.

• Management review support — helping operators evaluate audit findings, recurring issues and feedback from vessels.

• DOC and SMC audit preparation — supporting readiness for initial, annual, intermediate and renewal verification, as applicable.

ISPS Auditing & Security Compliance

We review shipboard security arrangements to help operators assess whether their procedures are understood, maintained and applied effectively.

Our support includes:

• Internal ship security audits — assessing implementation of the Ship Security Plan and associated company arrangements.

• Security inspections — reviewing access control, restricted areas, security duties, equipment and arrangements at different security levels.

• Training, drills and records reviews — assessing crew familiarisation, exercise records and the reporting of security incidents.

• Ship–shore coordination — reviewing communication between the vessel, Company Security Officer and port facilities.

• Verification preparation — helping vessel teams prepare for initial, intermediate and renewal International Ship Security Certificate verification, as applicable.

Security-sensitive documents and findings are handled with appropriate confidentiality.

MLC Inspections & Compliance Reviews

We help operators assess whether seafarers’ working and living conditions meet applicable flag State requirements implementing the MLC, supported by documentary checks, onboard inspections and confidential discussions with crew.

Our support includes:

• Employment and certification reviews — checking seafarers’ employment agreements, qualifications, medical certification and recruitment arrangements.

• Hours of work and rest — reviewing records, watchkeeping arrangements, fatigue risks and consistency with actual working practices.

• Living conditions inspections — examining accommodation, recreational facilities, food, catering and drinking-water arrangements.

• Health, safety and welfare reviews — assessing occupational safety, medical care, onboard complaint procedures and access to welfare support.

• Wages, repatriation and financial security checks — reviewing relevant arrangements and supporting documentation.

• Certification readiness — reviewing implementation of the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance and preparing vessels for interim, initial, intermediate or renewal inspections, as applicable.

Clear Findings & Practical Follow-Through

Each assignment is agreed around your vessel, fleet and regulatory framework. Audits and inspections can be commissioned individually or combined into a coordinated programme.

We provide clear reports identifying the evidence reviewed, findings raised and recommended priorities. Where required, we support root-cause analysis, corrective action planning and follow-up verification.

Our internal audits and independent reviews support your compliance arrangements. Statutory certification and verification remain with the flag Administration or its authorised organisation.

Ongoing Compliance Support

Our auditing services connect with SMS development, crew training, external DPA provision and managed compliance support. We can help you address a specific concern or establish a planned programme across your fleet, with audit arrangements that preserve objectivity and independence.

Get in Touch

Contact us to discuss an ISM audit, ISPS security review, MLC inspection or a coordinated fleet compliance programme.