India has been re-elected in Category B, comprising countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
- IMO Council consists of 40 elected members across three categories (A,B and C) and functions as the executive body of the IMO.
About IMO (HQ: London, UK)
- Genesis: 1948 as Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO), but the name was changed in 1982 to IMO.
- Role: United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping.
- Create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
Role of IMO in Maritime Safety
- Key IMO Conventions and Strategies
- International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) prevents and minimizes pollution (oil, garbage, air) from ships.
- Ballast Water Management Convention aims to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
- International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) establishes minimum safety standards for ships, including requirements for fire protection and navigation.
- International Convention on Standards for Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Convention sets qualifications for seafarer training and certification.
- 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships seeks to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
