Audit Service Provider Requirements

Accreditation Program

COS-developed documents provide accreditation requirements for ASP, as well as requirements for conducting audits and obtaining SEMS Certificates. 

• COS-2-01 1^st edition ASP Auditor Qualification and Competence Requirements (IBR)
• COS-2-01 2^nd edition ASP Personnel Qualification Requirements
• COS-2-02 1^st edition Training Program Requirements for ASP Auditors
• COS-2-03 1^st edition SEMS Auditing Requirements (IBR)
• COS-2-03 3^rd edition SEMS Auditing Requirements
• COS-2-04 1^st edition ASP Accreditation Requirements (IBR)
• COS-2-04 2^nd edition ASP Accreditation Requirements for SEMS Auditing
• COS-2-05 1st edition ASP Requirements for COS SEMS Certificates - Includes an International Addendum
• COS-2-06 1^st edition ASP Accreditation Requirements for SEMS Certificates 

IBR = Incorporated by Reference into the regulations at 30 CFR 250. 198(k)

Different editions of these documents are required depending on the auditee’s business type and location as shown in the following:

• SEMS Audit, Accreditation, and Certificate Documents for US OCS Oil & Gas  
• COS SEMS Audit, Accreditation, and Certificate Documents for Oil & Gas Outside the US OCS
• COS SEMS Audit, Accreditation, and Certificate Documents for Offshore Wind Installations

Becoming an ASP

COS operates its Accreditation Program in conformance with its Accreditation Quality Policy, its Accreditation Management System Manual, and ISO/IEC 17011:2017, Conformity Assessment - General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.

To become accredited (see Major Steps to ASP Accreditation) ASP go through an application process to assure that they have a SEMS Auditing and Certificate Management System that conforms with COS requirements and ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015, Conformity Assessment – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems – Part 1: Requirements.

Applicants that demonstrate effective use of their management system through a COS Office Assessment are granted Provisional Accreditation. COS then witnesses the organization when they perform a SEMS audit. Upon successful completion of the application, office assessment, witness assessment and resolution of any nonconformities, an independent Accreditation Review Panel votes on COS’s accreditation recommendation before accreditation is granted. During an ASP’s 3-year period of accreditation, ASP are subject to surveillance assessments and must re-apply for accreditation at least 6 months before expiration of their accreditation.

Contact COS  for additional information about the process for becoming a COS-accredited ASP or visit the Center for Offshore Safety Accreditation Program page