Independence
Standards are not for sale.
SMA's usefulness depends on trust. These are the separations the organisation intends to maintain between its standards work, its paid services and any future certification activity.
Standards development
Standards and guidance are developed through technical working groups and open consultation. Participation is based on expertise, and no paid relationship with SMA confers influence over the content of a standard.
Paid consultancy
Consultancy and readiness assessment are commercial services. They help an organisation improve — they do not and cannot purchase a favourable outcome from any other part of SMA's work.
Future certification
If a certification function is established, it is intended to operate with impartial assessment, documented criteria, independent decisions, and complaints, appeals, suspension and withdrawal procedures.
A clear statement
Paying for a service guarantees nothing.
Participation in any paid SMA service — consultancy, readiness assessment, training or membership — will not guarantee a favourable assessment, a certification outcome, or any advantage in standards development.
Equally, choosing not to purchase SMA's services will never disadvantage an organisation in any future assessment or certification process.
Honest about what doesn't exist yet.
SMA does not currently have an independent board, formal certification accreditation or established external recognition. These pages describe intended commitments, and they will be updated — publicly — as each arrangement is actually secured.
SMA is at a formative stage. It is not a statutory regulator, a formally recognised international standards authority or an accredited certification body, and it is not endorsed by the IMO, ISO or any other organisation. The commitments described on these pages are intentions that will be formalised as governance arrangements are approved and published.
Get involved
Hold us to it.
Questions about SMA's independence, governance or commercial arrangements are welcome — get in touch.