Home Certification Schemes ISO 28701
Security & Resilience ISO 28701 2025

Inland Navigation Safety Management

Safety and sustainability management systems for inland navigation and commercial shipping, addressing safety, environmental, and sustainability aspects of waterway vessel operations.

maritime inland navigation transport logistics
About This Standard

ISO 28701 specifies requirements for safety and sustainability management systems for operators of vessels and fleets in inland navigation and commercial shipping. It addresses safety management, environmental performance, and sustainability aspects of operations on rivers, canals, lakes, and coastal waterways.

The standard provides a framework for vessel operators, fleet managers, and inland navigation companies to systematically manage the distinct hazards of waterway operations including navigation risks, cargo safety, crew competence, and environmental compliance.

ACI-certified auditors assess inland navigation management systems and evaluate compliance with waterway-specific safety and environmental requirements.

Examination Topic Areas
Vessel safety management system design and implementation
Navigation risk assessment on inland waterways
Crew competence, certification, and watch-keeping requirements
Emergency preparedness and response for waterway incidents
Environmental management for inland navigation operations
Fleet maintenance management and vessel inspection programmes
Cargo handling and dangerous goods safety procedures
Regulatory compliance for inland navigation operations
Examination & Certification Process
01
Attend Training

Attend an ACI-Approved Training Provider (ATP) course for your chosen grade level. ACI-approved courses are aligned to the examination syllabus for ISO 28701.

02
Sit the Examination

Examinations are administered exclusively through ACI Approved Training Providers. Foundation and Internal Auditor examinations require 70% to pass; Lead Auditor requires 65%.

03
Apply for Certification

Submit your application through the ACI portal with your examination result, training certificate, and relevant audit experience log. Upon approval you receive your ACI Card ID and digital certificate.

Scheme Details
Standard ISO 28701
Edition 2025
Category Security & Resilience
Cert. Period 3 years
Framework ISO/IEC 17024 Aligned
Available Grades PA · AA · AU · LA · PR · FACI
All Certification Schemes
Auditor Grades

Available Grades for ISO 28701

All six ACI auditor grades are available for this scheme. Each grade has defined competence, experience, and examination requirements.

PA
Provisional Auditor

Entry-level certification for those beginning their auditing career. Suitable for individuals who have completed foundation training but have limited audit experience.

Foundation examination pass (70%)
No prior audit experience required
Annual CPD requirement applies
AA
Associate Auditor

For auditors who have completed Internal Auditor training and have begun accumulating audit experience under supervision or in an internal audit role.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 2 internal audits conducted
Annual CPD requirement applies
AU
Auditor

Full auditor grade for practitioners with demonstrated audit experience. Recognised as a competent independent auditor of management systems.

Internal Auditor examination pass
Minimum 5 complete audits
Annual CPD requirement applies
LA
Lead Auditor

Senior grade for experienced auditors capable of leading audit teams and managing full audit programmes. The most widely recognised auditor grade internationally.

Lead Auditor examination pass (65%)
Lead Auditor training course
Minimum 10 complete audits as team lead
PR
Principal Auditor

Advanced grade for highly experienced auditors demonstrating sustained performance in complex audit environments and contributions to the auditing profession.

Lead Auditor grade prerequisite
Minimum 5 years audit experience
Professional development portfolio
FACI
Fellow of ACI

The highest ACI designation, awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the management system auditing profession and to the ACI community.

By nomination and committee review
Exceptional professional contribution
Sustained ACI membership
Ready to certify in ISO 28701?

Find an Approved Training Provider, sit the examination, and submit your application to ACI.