Services

Purpose

This page is intended to fulfill clause 8.1 of ISO 17021-1:2015, Public Information.

Scope

GMS Technical Services is an ISO 17021-1:2015 accredited organization.

This standard is for entities providing Auditing Services and Certification for:

  • Environmental Management Systems
  • Quality Management Systems
  • Safety Management Systems
  • Security Management Systems
  • Information Management Systems

Certification Process

GMS Technical Services Auditee Certification Process is described in our Procedures Manual, USCG Subchapter M audits, surveys and examinations.  Additional info available on request.

Sample Shipboard Audit Process

This sample flowchart demonstrates process for typical shipboard Voluntary (non-certification) Environmental Compliance Audit.

Audit Process 08 May 2024

GMS Technical Services Process for handling

  • Requests for Information
  • Complaints and Appeals

Requests for Information

Complaints and Appeals

  • The general Sub Chapter M appeal process is shown in sample flowchart.

Appeal Process

GMS Technical Services Policy on Impartiality

GMS Technical Services Quality Manual, Section 4:

Avoidance of Conflict of Interest – Management of Impartiality

GMS Technical Services is committed to impartially managing all inspections, auditing and certification processes and activities.  Being impartial is a core tenet of GMS Technical Services systems.

Principals to achieve zero conflict of interest include:  Impartiality; competence; responsibility; openness; confidentiality; responsiveness to complaints; and using a risk-based approach.

In addition, the inspections, audits and certification process shall be conducted with objectivity; independence; neutrality; fairness; open-mindedness and even-handedness.

GMS Technical Services recognizes these potential threats to impartiality:  Financial incentive, conflicts of interests, self-interest, bias, prejudice, familiarity with the business partner and intimidation of any kind.

Any threats to impartiality, conflicts of interest or other principles for inspiring confidence will be identified, analyzed, evaluated, treated, monitored and documented by GMS Technical Services management by the use of the Corrective Action Request Process.