What is the International Maritime Organization ?
A specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for measures to Organization (IMO) improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent marine pollution from ships. IMO is also involved in legal matters, including liability and compensation issues and the facilitation of international maritime traffic. Website: www.imo.org
What is the principal bodies of IMO?
(1) The Assembly( (of all member states)
(2) the Council ( elected member structure states).
(3) the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC)
(4) the Marine Environment Protection Committee {MEPC)
(5) Legal Committee.
What are legal instruments developed by IMO?
(1) Conventions.
(2) Protocols.
(3) Recommendations, codes and guidelines.
(4) Resolutions
What is a convention?
A written treaty between two or more nation states that is binding in international law.
What are the principal IMOconventions in force?
(1) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) (dealing with ship safety);
(2) International Convention on Load Lines (ships' freeboards and load lines);
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(3) Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG)
(4) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers(STCW).
(5) International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
(6) International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships
When does an IMO convention enter in force?
Explicit acceptance is a way for international conventions to be put into effect. It requires a certain number of countries with merchant fleets making up a specific percentage of the world's fleet of large ships (over 100 gross tons) to agree to the convention within a set time frame, usually 12 months. Some conventions don't have a requirement based on ship size. This method ensures that enough countries and their merchant fleets are committed to following the convention before it becomes active. It helps to create a global agreement and wide participation in implementing the rules of the convention.
In relation to conventions, what is aprotocol?
An instrument that makes major amendments to a convention. For example, protocol the MARPOL Convention of 1973 was modified by a 1978 protocol (hence the name MARPOL 73/78). The SOLAS and Load Line conventions were amended for introduction of the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification by means of 1988 protocols.
What is a resolution?
Resolutions are the final documents that contain agreements on specific matters reached by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly or its main committees. Assembly resolutions are identified with reference numbers starting with the letter 'A'. For example, Resolution A.500(18) indicates an Assembly resolution, with "500(18)" representing the session number when the resolution was adopted. Resolutions from the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) also have reference numbers. For instance, MSC.100(73) and MEPC.199(62) denote the resolution numbers and session numbers of the respective committees when the resolutions were adopted. These reference numbers aid in organizing and locating specific documents within the corresponding sessions of the IMO and its committees.
What are recommendations?
Non-mandatory* IMO instruments offer more specific guidelines compared to conventions or protocols. They are adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through resolutions and do not require ratification. These instruments provide guidance for national regulations and requirements. Some of these instruments, called recommendations, include codes, guidelines, or recommended practices that address important matters not suitable for formal treaty instruments like conventions or protocols. These non-mandatory instruments serve to provide practical advice and clarity on specific maritime issues. They assist member states in implementing best practices and improving safety, security, and environmental protection in the maritime sector. Although they are not legally binding, these instruments play a crucial role in promoting consistency and raising standards in the international maritime community.
(*Note: The term "non-mandatory" indicates that these instruments are not legally binding, but they still hold significance and influence within the maritime industry.)
Are all IMO codes mandatory?
Some IMO codes, such as the ISM Code, ISPS Code, IMDG Code, and the IBC Code and IGC Codes, are made mandatory for states by a regulation of a 'parent' convention. On the other hand, codes like the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code), Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code), and Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes (TDC Code) are recommended by the IMO to national governments for adoption and serve as the foundation for national legislation.
