Answer
Under ISO 19011 (Guidelines for auditing management systems), a maritime internal/external auditor must possess the following core attributes:
- Ethical & Integrity-Driven: Truthful, honest, discreet, and capable of maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Open-Minded & Fair: Willing to consider alternative ideas or points of view without preconceived bias.
- Diplomatic & Tactful: Capable of interacting professionally with shipboard staff without creating an adversarial environment.
- Observant & Analytical: Actively aware of physical surroundings and operational practices; able to evaluate objective evidence to find root causes rather than superficial faults.
- Versatile & Decisive: Adaptable to different cultures, ship types, and emergency situations; reaches timely conclusions based on logical reasoning.
- Competent in Maritime Regulations: Deep technical knowledge of ISM, ISPS, MLC, SOLAS, MARPOL, and shipboard engineering operations.