International Maritime Organization: Ensuring Safety, Sustainability, and Global Cooperation
Context: India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the 2024–25 period.
What is International Maritime Organization (IMO)?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.
Established in 1948, the IMO's main task is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit includes safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical cooperation, maritime security, and the efficiency of shipping.
Recent Developments:
Recent developments in the IMO's activities have been particularly focused on environmental sustainability.
In 2023, the IMO adopted a revised strategy for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships.
This strategy is a part of the IMO's broader Greenhouse Gas Strategy, which aims to cut carbon emissions from international shipping by 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050, compared to the 2008 levels.
These efforts were recognized and welcomed at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), marking a significant milestone in the global effort to address climate change and the role of maritime transport in it.
Formation:
Established: In 1948.
Purpose: To regulate shipping activities globally.
Membership:
Members: 175 Member States and 3 Associate Members
Inclusivity: Open to all member states of the United Nations and other states by agreement.
Headquarters:
Location: London, United Kingdom.
Serves as the central coordinating and decision-making body for international maritime regulations and standards.
Struture of the IMO:
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 members.
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 :
Highest Governing Body: Comprises all member states.
Functions: Meets biennially to adopt the work program, budget, and determine financial arrangements.
Council :
Executive Organ: Acts as the governing body between Assembly sessions.
Composition: 40 member states elected by the Assembly, categorized into three groups based on maritime interest.
The Five Committees are as follows -
1) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) -
Primary Focus: Maritime safety and security.
Role: Develops and updates safety standards, guidelines, and regulations.
2) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) -
Focus: Environmental issues related to shipping.
Responsibilities: Addresses pollution from ships, implements environmental regulations.
3) Legal Committee -
Handles: Legal matters related to International maritime law.
Functions: Develops and adopts international maritime conventions and agreements.
4) Technical Cooperation Committee -
Aim: Promotes maritime safety and security through technical cooperation.
Activities: Focuses on assisting countries in implementing IMO standards.
5) Facilitation Committee -
Objective: Streamlines International maritime traffic procedures.
Work: Addresses efficiency of shipping, customs clearance, and documentation.
Sub-Committees:
Supporting Roles: Assist the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) in technical matters.
Focus Areas: Include navigation, ship design, cargo, training, and pollution prevention.
Secretariat:
Administrative Arm: Led by the Secretary-General.
Functions: Supports other bodies, coordinates activities, and disseminates information.
Funding:
Funding for the IMO comes from contributions by member states, as well as voluntary donations and commercial activities.
Important Treaties/Convention:
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
Focus: Ensures the safety of merchant ships.
Key Elements: Sets minimum safety standards in construction, equipment, and operation.
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
Purpose: Establishes standards for the training and certification of seafarers.
Impact: Ensures that seafarers are qualified and competent to operate merchant ships.
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL
Aim: Prevents marine pollution by ships.
Coverage: Addresses pollution from various sources including oil, chemicals, harmful substances in packaged form, sewage, and garbage.
Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
Objective: Establishes standards for the working and living conditions of seafarers.
Scope: Covers a broad range of matters, including employment terms, accommodations, recreational facilities, food, and medical care.
India at IMO:
Member Status - India is one of the earliest members of the IMO, joining in 1959.
Active Participation - India actively participates in the IMO's various assemblies, committees, and sub-committees.
Election to Council - India has been regularly elected to the IMO Council under Category B, reflecting its significant interest in international seaborne trade.
Contributions to Regulations: India contributes to the framing of various International maritime laws and regulations.
Focus Areas: Emphasizes maritime safety and security, environmental protection, and the prevention of maritime fraud.
India's Re-Election:
India was re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council with the highest tally.
The Elections were held on 3rd of December,2023.
India's re-election falls under the Category of 10 states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
India got 157 votes out of the 167.
The other countries in the category are Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates.
The term of the council will be for the biennium 2024-25.
Way Forward:
Prioritize Environmental Sustainability: Implement stricter regulations for reducing maritime pollution and emissions.
Enhance Maritime Safety and Security: Update standards for safer and more secure shipping.
Embrace Digitalization: Adopt advanced technologies for improved maritime management.
Address Climate Change Impact: Develop strategies for maritime adaptation to climate change.
Foster Global Collaboration: Encourage inclusive and collaborative international maritime governance.
