How to Prepare Internal Audits for Subchapter M

Leading maritime management consultancy Safety Management Systems, LLC (SMSLLC) will host a special 30-minute webinar on June 21, 2016 at 1400 EDT for towing vessel operators affected by the recently published 46 CFR Subchapter M requirements pertaining to internal audits. The regulation will affect upwards of 5,500 vessels in the U.S. and their respective management organizations. SMSLLC consultants John Hess and Clare Gannon will lead the discussion that will include a full question and answer session following their presentation.

SMSLLC, a sister company to workboat software firm Helm Operations, has extensive safety management and audit experience and will share its knowledge to assist towing vessel operators with their preparations for effective compliance to Subchapter M. For those operators selecting the Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) compliance option, annual internal audits will be required onboard each of their vessels and related shore-based management offices. As distinguished from an inspection or a survey, a management system audit examines process implementation, suitability and effectiveness. Prior to the emergence of Subchapter M, much of the focus within the industry has been on vessel systems and equipment versus operations and management.

“If you have to do it, it’s worth doing it right,” noted John Hess when questioned about the audit requirement. “We’ve been active participants in managing and executing best-in-class audit programs for decades. The introduction of safety management within the domestic towing industry will benefit from the insights of groups like SMSLLC that have determined what constitutes best practice in this regard.”