Safety policies only work if the crew is prepared. Poor implementation leads to vessel detentions and expensive fines. PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent audit support to find gaps before they become official Non-Conformities (NCs).
With 26 years of maritime experience, we help Shipowners prepare for Flag inspections, Vetting, and Port State Control (PSC). We ensure your Safety Management System (SMS) works in practice, not just on paper.
An external set of eyes is the best way to ensure your Safety Management System (SMS) is truly functional.
- Pre-Inspection Readiness: Identify gaps before official surveyors arrive for Flag or Class audits.
- Strengthen Documentation: Ensure permit-to-work systems, rest hour records, and maintenance logs are audit-ready.
- Enhance Crew Awareness: We don't just check books; we talk to the crew to ensure they actually understand the procedures.
- Minimize Detention Risk: Our proactive approach reduces the likelihood of 17-code or 30-code deficiencies.
ISM Code
We conduct SMS reviews to ensure total alignment with IMO standards. We focus on risk assessments, permit-to-work systems, and safety culture.
- IMO Compliance: Official ISM Standards
- Safety Culture: Practical verification of protocols.
ISPS Code
We verify your Ship Security Plan (SSP). Our audits cover access controls, restricted area management, and crew familiarity with security drills.
- Security Protocols: IMO Security Framework
- Risk Mitigation: Strengthening Ship Security Plans (SSP).
MLC 2006
We help you adhere to the "Seafarers' Bill of Rights." We inspect accommodation hygiene, galley standards, and rest hour record compliance.
- ILO Standards: ILO MLC Database
- Certification: Readiness for DMLC Part I & II.
- Emergency Preparedness: We witness onboard drills to ensure the crew reacts correctly to emergencies.
- Root Cause Analysis: We help you identify "Why" a problem exists so you can fix it permanently.
- Vetting Preparation: Targeted audits aligned with RightShip RISQ 3.2 and OCIMF SIRE 2.0 requirements.
- Document Review: We ensure maintenance logs and incident reports are audit-ready.
1. ISM Code (Safety) Focusing on safe ship operation and pollution prevention. We review permit-to-work systems, maintenance controls, and internal communication protocols.
2. ISPS Code (Security) Focusing on vessel protection. We review Security Plans, visitor procedures, and the readiness of security equipment.
3. MLC 2006 (Labour/Welfare) Focusing on the human element. We review employment documentation, medical arrangements, and food/hygiene standards.
Many clients request reviews before:
- Flag inspections
- Vetting attendance
- Charterer inspections
- Management audits
- Port State Control exposure
- Ownership transitions
- Internal management reviews
After every audit, you receive:
- Audit Summary: A high-level brief for management.
- Non-Conformity Notes: Clear observations of where the SMS is failing.
- Action Items: A prioritized list of what to fix first.
- Crew Awareness Notes: Feedback on how well the crew understands procedures.
As a wholly independent consultancy, PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides expert internal audit preparation and gap analysis for ISM, ISPS, and MLC 2006. We partner with owners and managers to ensure systems are fully compliant ahead of official statutory verification by your Recognized Organization (RO) or Flag State authorities. Please note: PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services acts as an independent technical advisor and does not issue final statutory class certificates.
Regional Port Coverage
- Philippines (Domestic Hub): Manila, Subic, Batangas, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Surigao.
- Asia & Oceania: Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.
- Europe & Mediterranean: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Greece, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Roumania, Spain, Turkey, UK.
- Middle East & Africa: Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, UAE (Dubai/Fujairah).
- Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, USA (Houston, Tampa, New Orleans), Venezuela.
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| ISM-ISPS-MLC Case Studies |
| ISM-ISPS-MLC – PAMS Blog |
Internal Audit & Compliance FAQ
Are these official certification audits?
No. These are independent proactive reviews separate from Class or Flag State audits. They help owners improve fleet readiness and identify compliance gaps internally.
Can you focus only on MLC or ISM?
Yes. The audit scope is fully tailorable. We can perform a deep dive into MLC requirements or focus strictly on ISM Code safety management systems.
Do you review documents and records?
Yes. A thorough review of onboard documentation, maintenance records, and safety logs is a standard part of our technical auditing process.
Can this help before PSC inspections?
Absolutely. Gap assessments reduce "surprises" during official Port State Control (PSC) attendance by allowing crews to rectify findings in a controlled environment.
Managing international compliance requires a deep operational understanding of both the engine room and the bridge. Our team of Master Mariners and Technical Superintendents ensures that your vessel doesn't just "pass" an audit—it achieves excellence.
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