Diploma in Audits, PSC and Inspection Readiness
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in audits, port state control (PSC) and inspection readiness. 8 modules covering the Paris MoU and THETIS, inspected conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC 2006, STCW), ISM and ISPS management systems, critical inspection areas, vetting preparation (SIRE 2.0), ISO 19011 audit methodology and deficiency and detention management, with an assigned technical tutor.
Diploma in Audits, PSC and Inspection Readiness — studying from Malta
Maritime activity is central to Malta's identity, with the Grand Harbour and Freeport at Marsaxlokk handling significant cargo and transhipment. Ship repair, yacht building and marine services form a important part of the sector, supported by a long tradition of shipbuilding and maritime engineering. Offshore and sports nautical activity, including yacht refit and marine leisure, provides further opportunities. Engineers typically work with shipyards, classification societies, port authorities and marine service providers.
Fees for Malta: €1,490 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which bodies in Malta regulate naval and offshore engineering, and how does SEIUM fit in?
Malta is a major maritime nation, with the Transport Malta authority overseeing maritime affairs and the Malta Maritime Authority regulating shipping and registration. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body. Recognition for maritime roles is decided by employers or the relevant regulator, so confirm this before enrolling.
Do employers in Malta's maritime and yachting sectors value this type of training?
Malta's maritime cluster, including shipping services, ship management and yacht-related businesses, employs engineers and technical staff. Hiring in these sectors often prioritises practical experience and relevant certifications. Whether a private online qualification helps depends on the employer, so asking prospective employers in Malta is the best way to judge its value.
Can I study this part-time while working offshore or on rotation, and what is the language requirement?
Programmes are 100% online, so you can study from anywhere with internet access, and no student visa is needed to study from home. Teaching is in English, so you need a good working level of technical English. Hours range from 300 to 1,900 depending on the programme. Fees are payable in instalments and employer sponsorship is possible.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the port state control regime.
Identify the requirements of the inspected conventions.
Audit ISM and ISPS management systems.
Prepare ships and crews for inspections.
Apply audit methodologies under ISO 19011.
Manage deficiencies and avoid detentions.
Implement continual improvement indicators.
Who it's for
- Safety superintendents.
- Maritime auditors.
- Designated persons ashore (DPA).
- Ship inspectors.
- Company security officers.
- Maritime compliance consultants.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to join shipping companies.
What you'll work with
- Paris MoU on Port State Control (regional PSC regime)
- ISM Code (international safety management)
- SOLAS (safety of life at sea)
- MARPOL (prevention of pollution from ships)
- MLC 2006 (Maritime Labour Convention)
- STCW (training, certification and watchkeeping)
- ISO 19011 (guidelines for auditing management systems)
- Directive 2009/16/EC (EU port state control)
- THETIS
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0
- Microsoft Excel
- ShipManager (DNV)
8 modules
1.1Origins and principles of Port State Control1.2The Paris MoU and other agreements1.3The THETIS database1.4Ship risk profile1.5Initial and more detailed inspections1.6Detentions and their consequences1.7Concentrated inspection campaigns1.8White, grey and black lists1.9Deficiency statistics1.10Case study: analysis of a ship's risk profile
2.1SOLAS and ship safety2.2MARPOL and pollution prevention2.3The Load Line Convention2.4STCW and crew certification2.5MLC 2006 and living conditions2.6The Ballast Water Management Convention2.7The Anti-Fouling Systems Convention2.8COLREG and navigation2.9Mandatory certificates on board2.10Practical exercise: verification of a ship's certificates
3.1The ISM Code and the management system3.2Designated person ashore3.3Internal ISM audits3.4External flag audits3.5The ISPS Code and security3.6Non-conformities and corrective actions3.7Records and evidence3.8Document management on board3.9Continual improvement of the system3.10Workshop: internal ISM audit
4.1Life-saving appliances4.2Fire-fighting4.3Watertight doors and closures4.4Navigation equipment4.5Engine room and bilges4.6Oil and garbage record books4.7Accommodation and galley4.8Emergency drills4.9Crew documentation4.10Laboratory: mock inspection on board
5.1Pre-arrival checklists5.2Crew self-inspections5.3Superintendent inspections5.4SIRE 2.0 vetting inspections5.5RightShip inspections5.6Crew preparation5.7Communication with the inspector5.8Handling deficiencies on the spot5.9Post-inspection follow-up5.10Practical exercise: pre-arrival checklist for a port call
6.1The ISO 19011 auditing standard6.2Planning an audit6.3Interview techniques6.4Sampling and evidence6.5Classification of findings6.6Report writing6.7Remote and documentary audits6.8Auditor competencies6.9Auditor ethics6.10Case study: audit report for a vessel
7.1Root cause analysis7.2Corrective and preventive actions7.3Rectification before departure7.4Appealing against detentions7.5Relationship with the classification society7.6Commercial impact of a detention7.7Fleet performance indicators7.8Lessons from real detentions7.9Improving the management system7.10Practical exercise: root cause analysis of a detention
8.1Vessel selection8.2Documentary review of the vessel8.3Planned self-inspection on board8.4Identification of deficiencies8.5Corrective action plan8.6Crew training8.7Monitoring indicators8.8Conclusions and recommendations8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with your tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is THETIS, OCIMF SIRE 2.0, Microsoft Excel and ShipManager (DNV), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for mock inspections on board, internal ISM audits and root cause analysis of detentions. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: Paris MoU on Port State Control, ISM Code, SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC 2006, STCW, ISO 19011, Directive 2009/16/EC.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with THETIS, OCIMF SIRE 2.0, Microsoft Excel and ShipManager (DNV), using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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