ISM, ISPS and MLC e-learning courses

Boost your skills at your own pace with our e-learning courses

Familiarity with the ISM Code, the ISPS Code and the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 are considered to be prerequisites for anyone who is serious about making a career in shipping management. A sound knowledge base formed by having a good grasp of these three standards will open doors to new opportunities in crewing, safety, security, risk management and auditing.

The convenience and flexibility of e-learning courses allows you to boost your knowledge when you are free to learn, at your own pace, wherever you have access to the internet.

After only a few hours of self-study you will be able to test your knowledge and download your course certificates! These three courses will also open the doors to further training opportunities from the DNV Maritime Academy catalogue.

What we offer  

Understanding ISM  

The International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) became mandatory in 1998 and since then both shipping companies and ships are required to have in place an audited Safety Management System (SMS).
The main goal of this course is to give a good basic understanding of the need for and the importance of the Code, its requirements and how to implement and maintain an effective SMS. 

This course is a good preparation and a prerequisite for those who will later assume the role of Designated Person or an internal auditor.

The course focuses on:

  • Reasons for implementing a Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Background and requirements of the ISM Code
  • Introduction to the 16 elements of the ISM Code
  • Understanding the system of internal and external verification
  • Interpretations and requirements of major flag States

Understanding ISPS  

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code came into force in 2004 and since this date forms the basis of the mandatory security regime for international shipping.
This training covers the requirements of the ISPS Code for shipping companies, shipping personnel and maritime authorities. 
Course participants will learn about the required steps for establishing a Ship Security Plan (SSP), the methods generally used for its implementation and maintenance on board and the procedures for certification.

This course is a good preparation and a prerequisite for those who plan to assume the role of a Company Security Officer or an internal auditor.

The course focuses on:

  • Background and mandatory requirements of SOLAS and the ISPS Code
  • Roles and responsibilities of maritime administrations, flag and port states
  • Introduction to the elements of the ISPS Code
  • Basic knowledge regarding the performance of security assessments
  • Internal and external verifications and the certification procedure
  • Security awareness and vigilance

Understanding MLC  

The Maritime Labour Convention, known as "MLC,2006", entered into force in August 2013. Since then it has been ratified by 110 ILO Member States and come to be considered as the 4th pillar in the system of international maritime regulations alongside STCW, SOLAS and MARPOL. The Convention provides comprehensive rights and protection at work for seafarers across the globe. It consolidated and updated dozens of individual labour standards related to seafarers that had been adopted since 1920 and today the MLC, 2006 is applicable to more than 95% of the world gross shipping tonnage.

This training describes the background to the Convention before looking in detail at the content of the five Titles and the roles and responsibilities of the flag States and shipowners.  Integrated quizzes check your knowledge along the way.
Successful finalisation of the training is confirmed with a Certificate of Completion.

The course focuses on:

  • Overview about the ILO and the MLC, 2006
  • Title 1: Minimum requirements for seafarers
  • Title 2: Conditions of employment
  • Title 3: Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
  • Title 4: Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security
  • Title 5: Compliance and enforcement