Modernizing the IMO Member State Audit Scheme to Increase Efficiency of Maritime Transport

The article discusses the problem of improving the efficiency of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) in order to improve safety, effectiveness and environmental friendliness of maritime navigation. The current regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) do not fully provide for the use of modern digital technologies, monitoring and self-audit of states, do not take into account the organizational specifics of interaction between experts and the audited states based on previous audits’ results. The aim of the work is to develop and substantiate proposals for the modernization of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme through the use of new digital technologies, management methods and tools. Methods of economic analysis, observation, comparison, generalization, grouping, study of regulatory documentation, as well as a systematic approach were used in conducting the scientific research. Based on the analysis of scientific and specialized literature, IMO regulatory documents, new concepts of “self-audit”, “remote audit” are introduced and their definitions are proposed. Transition to format of remote audit is justified in relation to states that have demonstrated satisfactory results of work based on the results of previous years. Proposals are formulated to optimize existing questionnaires to avoid duplication of information flows. Criteria for differentiating the audited states by the level of aggregate risk are proposed, which determines the choice of the verification format. The functional field of artificial intelligence technologies application during inspections is determined. The main effects achieved as a result of introducing organizational changes in the model of interaction of the audit participants are summarized and formalized. The introduction of the proposed technologies, methods and tools will improve the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme. The main conclusions and provisions of the work can also be used as part of improving the Scheme, as well as during audits in other areas of activity.

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