International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

About International Maritime Organisation (IMO):

 

• IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships.
• IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping.
• Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
• It has an integral role in meeting the targets set out in United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
• Formation: It was established as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) in 1948, became a specialized agency of the United Nations in 1959 and was renamed International Maritime Organization in 1982.
• Membership: It currently has 174 Member States.
• Headquarters: London.
• Structure:
  • The work of the IMO is carried out by the IMO Secretariat, Member States, IGOs, and NGOs. 
  • The daily operations of the IMO, including meeting coordination and preparation, is conducted by the IMO Secretariat, led by the Secretary-General and assisted by a staff of 300 international civil servants. 
  • The Member States, IGOs, and NGOs are represented at the IMO during the various IMO meetings (Assembly, Council, 5 Committees, and 7 Sub-Committees)
  • Assembly:  It is the highest Governing Body of the IMO. It consists of all Member States, and it meets once every two years in regular sessions. The Assembly is responsible for approving the work program, voting the budget and electing the Council.
  • Council: It is the Executive Organ of the IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization.
  • Committees: The five policy-making committees are responsible for the development, review, updating, and approval of the organization’s guidelines and regulations.
• Funding: Funding for the IMO comes from contributions by member states, as well as voluntary donations and commercial activities.

 

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Q1) What is MARPOL?

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.The MARPOL Convention was adopted on 2 November 1973 at IMO. The Convention includes regulations aimed at preventing and minimizing pollution from ships - both accidental pollution and that from routine operations.

Source: India Urges IMO For Realistic Target Of 5% Net Zero Carbon Fuels In Marine Fuel Mix By 2030