12.7 The International Maritime Org

12.7 The International Maritime Organization and its conventions
History and organization of IMO
The Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) came into
operation in 1958, with responsibility for adopting legislation on matters relating
to maritime safety and pollution prevention on a world-wide basis and acting as
the custodian of a number of related international conventions. Subsequently, in
1982, IMCO changed its name to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
It has been responsible for developing a large number of conventions, ranging
from the Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) to conventions on
tonnage measurement and oil pollution.
IMO has 155 member states and two associate members. Its main objective,
particularly in the early years, was to develop a comprehensive body of conventions,
codes and recommendations which could be implemented by member governments.
The most important conventions are now accepted by countries whose combined
merchant fleets represent 98 per cent of the world total. A list of its most important
conventions is shown in Table 12.5.
The governing body of IMO is the Assembly, which meets every two years. In
between Assembly sessions a Council, consisting of thirty-two member states elected
by the Assembly, acts as the governing body. The technical and legal work is
carried out by five committees:-
• The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) deals with a whole range of issues
concerning safety at sea. Sub-committees deal with a wide range of issues
which cover safety of navigation; radio communications and life-saving; search
and rescue; standards of training and watchkeeping; ship design and equipment;
life-saving appliances; fire protection; stability and load lines; fishing vessel
safety; carriage of dangerous goods, solid cargoes and containers; carriage of
bulk liquids and gases; and flag state implementation.
• The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) deals with all issues
relating to pollution, particularly oil.