International Maritime Organisation

 IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations.

 IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping by creating a regulatory framework for the shipping industry.

 Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, the IMO has 172 Member States and three Associate Members.

 Observer status is granted to qualified non-governmental organisations.

 IMO’s role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance.

 IMO measures cover all aspects of international shipping including ship design, construction, equipment, manning, operation and disposal.

 The most significant outcome of IMO was the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973.

 It covers not only accidental and operational oil pollution but also different types of pollution by chemicals, goods in packaged form, sewage, garbage and air pollution.

 The IMO has also enacted a Port State Control (PSC) authority, allowing domestic maritime authorities such as coast guards to inspect foreign-flag ships calling at ports of the many port states.