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PROFESSIONAL COURSE · Courses, Maritime

Cognicert ISM Code Lead Auditor Course

Plan ship and shore ISM audits, assess safety-management evidence and follow up corrective actions.

  • Practical, standards-based professional learning
  • Assessment and verifiable Cognicert certification
  • Flexible online, self-study and organisational delivery

Is this the right course for you?

Who this course is for
Shipping Companies: Designated Persons (ashore), Company Security Officers, Safety Managers, Superintendents, Nautical Officers, Engineers

Entry, exam and access at a glance

Prerequisites

Entry requirements depend on the course and level. Review the course-specific requirements and prior knowledge listed below.

Exam and resits

100 questions in one hour. Pass mark: 70%. Your payment includes two exam attempts. A third or later attempt costs £100 per resit.

Platform-wide pass rate: 87% across all examined trainees, based on Cognicert’s exam-platform results. This is not a course-specific pass rate or a guarantee of an individual result.

Self-study access

Lifetime access for the enrolled learner. Access is personal and cannot be shared.

Overview

Plan ship and shore ISM audits, assess safety-management evidence and follow up corrective actions.

Connect these tasks to the ism code lead auditor role. Use the detailed programme to identify the methods, exercises and application areas most relevant to your work.

Objectives
To qualify participants as Lead auditors (ISM) enabling them to prepare and conduct internal audits/verifications within their shipping companies in accordance with accepted auditing principles. Prior knowledge of the three standards is expected. Entrance regulations Good knowledge of ISM Code
Audience
Shipping Companies: Designated Persons (ashore), Company Security Officers, Safety Managers, Superintendents, Nautical Officers, Engineers
Content
The course focuses on:           Introducing to Maritime Safety Management and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code;           The Aims, Structure and Content of the ISM Codes;           ISM Requirements & implementation Problems           Quality, Health, Safety & Security Auditing           Theory and Practice of Auditing           Methods & Auditing Tools and Checklists           ISM audit and verification requirements           Common features and differences           Techniques that contribute to the success of communication processes within audits           Planning, preparation, performance, recording, reporting and follow-up of audits           Principles and best practices of harmonized audits and verifications           Practical audit preparation, execution, follow up and monitoring           Practical handling of Audit Findings and follow up (internal vs external audits)           Interim DOC and SMC Audits           Initial DOC and SMC Audits           Handling of non-conformities including root cause analysis and corrective actions           Annual verification or renewal of the Document of Compliance           Intermediate verification or renewal of Safety Management Certificates           Suspension and withdrawal of certification           Auditing Case Studies
  • Programme application

    (ISM Surveyor or Lead Auditor Course) Certified by Cognicert UK- www.cognicert.com Effective implementation and verification of a (safety) management system requires periodical internal audits. The approach to and scope of an audit differs widely from an inspection. The requirements for auditing the management system within companies and on board ships have highlighted the subject of competence of internal auditors. Our course provides you with the knowledge and expertise necessary to plan and conduct combined ISM audits and verifications. Through the use of interactive group exercises you will also improve your communication skills and thus strengthen your overall performance as an auditor. The first part of the auditing process resembles an inspection activity (verification of compliance and identification of non-conformities). This course will provide shipping and offshore company employees with the knowledge and tools necessary for performing and managing internal auditing procedures. Verification principles and methods for implementation of both formal and informal audit procedures will be examined and applied. Participants will receive a sound understanding of auditing techniques and processes as well as management of an internal auditing program. They will also gain an appreciation for the role and importance of internal auditing programs within the maritime industry as related to Safety and Quality Management systems and learn about the requirements laid down in the ISO 19001 standard related to the performance of the internal audits and verifications in an integrated management system. A written exam will test your level of achievement with respect to the learning objectives and be used as a basis to issue a certificate. Certificate by Cognicert UK- www.cognicert.com
Delivery
  • Case Study
  • Individual Exercises
  • Role Play
  • Group Exercises
  • Group Presentation
  • Examination
Assessment and Qualification Learning is assessed through:
  • one-hour examination. Passing the exams qualifies the candidate for Cognicert ISM Code Lead Auditor (CPD Certificate)
  • Practical experience of 4 SMC or DOC Audits with activity log qualifies participants for our Cognicert ISM Code Lead Auditor (Lead Auditor Category) I.D Card and Certificate
Self-Study Material, Exam and Certification  Online Training, Material, Exam and Certification  Classroom Training Location Here (Fee to be decided by delivery partners)

Use the current training and examination calendar below for dates and fees.

Refund and transfer conditions are set out in the current policy.

Duration
5 days

5 days

  • ONE STANDARD · FIVE LEARNING LEVELS

    Choose your ISM Code course

    Compare the focus and training duration of each level. Choose the level that fits your responsibilities; you do not need to book every level in sequence.

    View the complete ISM Code training pathway
    1 day

    ISM Code Awareness

    People who need an introduction to the standard and their role in supporting it.

    Self-study: £75On demand · study at your own pace

    Live online: £20016–20 November 2026

    Per learner, before applicable UK VAT. Review your total before payment.
    2 days

    ISM Code Foundation

    People building a working understanding of the standard before taking on implementation or audit responsibilities.

    Self-study: £150On demand · study at your own pace

    Live online: £50016–20 November 2026

    Per learner, before applicable UK VAT. Review your total before payment.
    3 days

    ISM Code Internal Auditor

    People preparing to plan and carry out internal audits within their organisation.

    Self-study: £250On demand · study at your own pace

    Live online: £75016–20 November 2026

    Per learner, before applicable UK VAT. Review your total before payment.
    5 days

    ISM Code Lead Implementer

    Managers, consultants and professionals responsible for establishing, maintaining or improving a system.

    Contact Cognicert for this level’s syllabus and availability.

    Enquire about Lead Implementer

    Choose a level and study mode to enrol directly; no preliminary enquiry is needed for an available booking. Your existing basket confirms the date, price, applicable VAT and final total before secure Stripe payment. Invoice requests remain available.

    Durations refer to the training programme. Course details explain entry requirements, assessment and the award for successful candidates. Training does not certify your organisation. Self-study access or live-course joining instructions follow payment and any applicable eligibility checks. Read refund and transfer conditions.

    BOOK WITH CLARITY

    Refunds, cancellations and transfers

    Refund and transfer choices depend on the course format, how much notice you give and whether digital content has been accessed. Contact learner care early and we will help you identify the best available option.

    Read the complete refund, cancellation and transfer policy →
    UPCOMING COURSE CALENDAR

    Training, exam and application dates

    Prices are per learner before any applicable UK VAT. A live-online intake costs more after its standard deadline because the published late fee is added. Self-study is priced separately and has no late-intake fee.

    TRAINING DATESEXAMDEADLINE & STATUSLIVE ONLINESELF-STUDY
    16–20 November 202620 November 2026Standard booking period
    Standard deadline: 19 October 2026. No late fee yet.
    Places are confirmed at booking, not guaranteed by this calendar.
    £1,200
    Choose this intake
    £500
    On-demand study; next exam shown at checkout.
    VERIFIABLE ACHIEVEMENT

    Check your Cognicert certificate

    Successful candidates receive a uniquely numbered Cognicert certificate that another person can check through our public certificate-verification service. This confirms the authenticity of a Cognicert-issued award; acceptance by an employer, regulator or external professional scheme depends on their requirements.

    View certificate verification →
    YOUR COURSE ADVISER

    Need help before enrolling?

    Lisa Williams
    Course and Business Development Adviser
    Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00 UK time

    +44 20 3432 2505
    info@cognicert.com
    Self-study from £500per learner · excl. applicable VATEnrol self-study

    Related Cognicert resources

    Port Facility Security OfficerRead more →Cognicert Crew Management Professional CourseRead more →Cognicert Ship Security Officer CourseRead more →
    Ready to enrol?

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