4. Evaluating an SMS

As all management systems operate on the principle of continuous improvement, it is essential to be able to regularly audit the system and its implementation, assess any deviations and, if necessary, define the corrective actions to be implemented. In France, the DREAL, under the authority of the departmental prefect, is responsible for carrying out regular inspections of the SMS. The operator, for his part, is required to audit his management system on a regular basis. For the same system, there are therefore two types of control, which can be described as "internal" or "external", depending on whether they are carried out by the company itself or by a third party, notably the authorities.