What is International Maritime

Organization (IMO)?
Every development in world history takes place because of a factor or factors that may
come about with time and the establishment of the International maritime
organization, IMO, was no different.

Of the various industries that have been flourishing around the world, ‘Shipping’ can be
considered as the truly international industry.

This is because it serves more than 90% of the world’s trade by cargo transportation
and other merchant ships that do so cleanly and cost-effectively. As a result, any
particular ship can be governed by a management chain that spans many countries,
also these ships spend most of their times at sea between various jurisdictions.

Therefore, it was felt at the beginning of the last century that there was a need of a
universal governing body that in turn laid down rules and standards to regulate the
shipping process and the industry worldwide.

Thus the International maritime organization came into being.

The first international treaty of any kind between nations can be traced back to the
treaty of ‘safety of life at sea’ – SOLAS, which was adopted by a few nations, post
the disaster of Titanic.

Though the IMO was established in 1948 in Geneva, it was not enforced until 1959 at a
meeting held in London, its headquarters.

Image Credits: imo.org

Purpose of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The main mission and responsibility of the International maritime organization are to
develop and preserve a comprehensive framework of regulations and policies for the
shipping industry and its activities like the maritime security, safety, technical
cooperation, environmental concerns and legal matters.

IMO has been successfully disposing of this task since its inception with the specialized
committees and sub-committees at the headquarters. The sessions of these
committees are attended by numerous delegates and experts from the member
countries and also by non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations.

Non-governmental organizations might be given consultive status if they demonstrate

expertise and competence to contribute according to the requirements of IMO.

Structure of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

The governing body of the IMO is an assembly that meets bi-yearly. The assembly
comprises of all the member states. In the intervening time between the Assembly
sessions, a council acts as the governing body. This council comprises of 40 member
states who are elected by the assembly for a specified period of time.

The committees of various tasks and duties mentioned above are also governed and
observed by these governing bodies. The secretariat has a workforce of over 300
headed by the Secretary-General. The Secretary-General is elected by the Assembly
and holds his post for a duration of 4 years.

Functions of IMO
The major areas of concern, which the International maritime organization has been
able to bring under regulation, have been the prevention of accidents, setting up safety
standards for ships and other vessels (including design and materials) for the member
states to abide by, maintaining adherence to the established treaties of safety and
security, prevention of pollution and other avoidable human disasters.

IMO also facilitates technical co-operation among member states, setting up an audition
and monitoring scheme for these rules, standards and finally monitoring liabilities and
compensation in case of breach of any of these regulations.

Thus, the International maritime organization is playing a very crucial role in modern
society’s progress towards a better and healthy commercial and transportation
environment.

Events and Awards By IMO

The international maritime organisation also organizes several events and awards to
increase awareness about the maritime industry and recognise those who have made a
significant contribution.
Some of the main events and awards by the international maritime organisation (IMO)
are:

 World Maritime Day

 Day of the Seafarer
 IMO Awards – Award for exceptional bravery at sea and the international
maritime prize
 IMO Ministerial Conference
 Women, Ports and Facilitation

The headquarters of IMO is in London, United Kingdom.