A regional training course designed to strengthen the implementation of IMO treaties in African Member States has concluded in Tunis, Tunisia.
The course, organized by IMO and the Tunisian Ministry of Transport, provided essential training to representatives from 13 African nations* to prepare for audits under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).
The training programme focused on equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct and undergo IMSAS audits. These audits assess how effectively Member States apply key IMO treaties related to maritime safety, environmental protection, and seafarer training.
Participants received comprehensive instruction on the history and evolution of IMSAS, the Framework and Procedures of the Scheme, and the latest guidance for Audit Officers. They were trained in audit methodology, drafting statements of findings and observations, and other preparations to help them qualify for nomination to the IMSAS Auditors roster.
All IMO Member States are required to undergo a mandatory audit within the seven-year audit cycle involving up to 25 Member State audits per year. Since the mandatory phase of the scheme began in January 2016, 140 audits have been completed, covering approximately 80% of IMO Member States.
* Participating countries: Benin, Cameroon, Comoros, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, Togo, and Tunisia.
