IMO (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Recently, in elections held at its assembly for the 2024–25 biennium, India was re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council with the highest tally.

International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

• About: is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.
• Founded: 17 March 1948
• Support To: IMO's work supports the UN SDGs.​
• Headquarters: London.
• Members Countries: 175 Member States and three Associate Members.
• Structure of IMO
• Assembly: This is the highest Governing Body of the Organization.
• Council: It is the Executive Organ of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the Organization.
• Functions:

oEstablish and uphold a comprehensive regulatory framework for the shipping industry.

oEnsure the safety and security of vessels.

oAddress environmental considerations associated with shipping activities.

oManage legal affairs pertaining to maritime cases.

IMO Conventions

• SOLAS (1974): It is the International Convention ensuring the Safety of Life at Sea. 
• MARPOL (1973): It is the International Convention addressing the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. 
• STCW: It stands for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.