Description
This Course Includes
✓ Flag State Inspection (FSI) Certificate
✓ Expert Digital Badge
✓ Tutors Gateway Support
✓ High Quality Learning Materials
✓ IMT Alumni Portal Access
✓ IAMP Membership
Why this diploma matters
Built for professionals. Essential for companies.
For You — Individual
Flag State knowledge protects your career.
Flag State Inspections govern every vessel flying a national flag. Without a solid understanding of FSI procedures, statutory requirements, and inspection protocols, you’re exposed — and so is your ship.
→ Conduct ship inspections to technical and ethical standards
→ Understand statutory documentation and compliance frameworks
→ Advance into senior surveyor or flag state authority roles
→ Add CPD-accredited credentials to your professional profile
→ Study online at your own pace — no travel, no fixed schedule
For Companies — B2B
One failed inspection costs more than this diploma.
Flag State deficiencies, detentions, and PSC failures are costly — in time, reputation, and money. Training your team in statutory inspection procedures is the most effective risk mitigation available.
→ Reduce risk of FSI deficiencies and port state detentions
→ Ensure crew understand statutory documentation requirements
→ Prepare vessels for SOLAS, MARPOL, and MLC compliance
→ Group enrolment available — contact us for company pricing
→ CPD accreditation demonstrable to clients and regulators
About this diploma
Statutory Surveyor and Flag State Inspector
Flag State Inspections (FSI) are used by flag states to ensure satisfactory standards are being maintained on board vessels flying their flag. Approved Flag State Inspectors include verification of statutory documentation and a general examination of the vessel’s structure, machinery and equipment as well as testing of firefighting equipment, lifesaving appliances and safety equipment.
This Advanced Diploma provides the knowledge and practical framework required to conduct statutory surveys and flag state inspections to the highest international standards — covering SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC, and the full range of statutory certification requirements.
Learning Objectives
What you will achieve
Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of flag state inspection procedures, statutory survey requirements, and the practical skills needed to conduct professional vessel inspections.
✓ Perform ship inspections according to technical and ethical standards
✓ Collect and verify statutory documents and data in each technical area
✓ Perform on-site measurements and equipment assessments
✓ Assess risk based on relevant findings and inspection results
✓ Recommend control measures and corrective actions
✓ Communicate findings professionally — reports, deficiency notices, certificates
Curriculum
4 core + 12 specialisation modules. The complete inspection framework.
Core Units — 4 modules × 52 hours each
FSI001 · Core Unit · 52h
Introduction to Flag State Control
The legal and regulatory framework governing flag state authority, vessel registration, and the duties and powers of flag state inspectors worldwide.
FSI002 · Core Unit · 52h
Classification and Statutory Surveys
Classification society rules, statutory survey types, certification requirements, and the interface between class and flag state authority in vessel compliance.
SMS002 · Core Unit · 52h
International Safety Management (ISM) Code
The ISM Code framework, SMS implementation, DOC and SMC certification, and the flag state inspector’s role in ISM compliance verification.
RM001 · Core Unit · 52h
Ship Casualty and Incident Investigations
Marine casualty investigation procedures, flag state reporting obligations, root cause analysis, and the legal framework governing maritime incidents.
Specialisation Units — 12 modules × 12 hours each
CLS2B · Machinery Systems
CLS2C · Subdivision & Stability
CLS2D · Load Line
CLS2E · Tonnage
CLS2F · Structural Fire Protection
CLS2G · Safety Equipment
CLS2H · Oil Pollution Prevention
CLS2I · Noxious Liquid Substances
CLS2J · Radio Equipment
CLS2K · Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk
CLS2L · Liquefied Gases in Bulk
Who should attend
If your work involves vessel inspections, compliance, or flag state authority — this is for you.
Ship Officers & Captains
Understand FSI procedures, statutory obligations, and how to prepare your vessel for flag state inspection.
Technical Superintendents
Manage fleet compliance, prepare for statutory surveys, and minimise deficiency risk across your vessels.
Marine Surveyors
Formalise your knowledge of statutory survey procedures and flag state inspection protocols with a CPD-accredited qualification.
Port State Control Officers
Strengthen your understanding of flag state requirements and the interface between PSC and FSI inspection frameworks.
Classification Society Staff
Deepen your knowledge of statutory survey requirements and flag state authority to better serve shipowner clients.
New Entrants to Maritime
Build the inspection and compliance knowledge base that employers in shipping, classification, and flag state authorities look for.
Entry Requirements
No prerequisites required
There are no formal prerequisites for this diploma. It is suitable for new entrants to the maritime industry and experienced professionals seeking to formalise their knowledge of flag state inspection and statutory survey procedures. Particularly valuable for staff in shipping companies, classification societies, port authorities, Coast Guard personnel, marine insurers, and P&I clubs.
Duration
Approximately 6 hours of learning per week, totalling 52 hours over a 2-month period. Return to any section as often as needed.
Access Period
Course remains open for 9 months from upload date. Extensions of up to 6 months may be requested before the study period ends.
Teaching Method
Independent online study with detailed syllabus, guidance notes, and practical exercises based on real FSI cases. Assessment via final test.
Mode of Attendance
100% Online — delivered via web platform. No travel required. Often 10+ nationalities participate simultaneously.
Don’t face an inspection unprepared.
Join maritime professionals worldwide who hold this diploma.
Start immediately — study at your pace — get certified.
Immediate access · CPD Accredited · 3 modules · 52 hours · 9 months access
