Why is it in the news?
- India secures re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, maintaining its position for the next two years.
- Re-elected for two years in the category of 10 states with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.
| IMO’s Responsibilities | |
| – Specialized agency of the UN (established in 1948). | |
| – Responsible for the safety and security of shipping globally. | |
| – Aims to prevent marine and atmospheric pollution caused by ships. |
| Role of IMO in Environmental Protection | |
| – MARPOL Convention covers pollution of the marine environment by ships. | |
| – Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) designations for extra protection. | |
| – London Convention regulates sea waste dumping and addresses climate change mitigation. |
| Role of IMO in Maritime Safety and Security | |
| – SOLAS Convention sets standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation. | |
| – Counter-piracy measures include a globally integrated shipping information system and Djibouti Code of Conduct. | |
| – IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) works on preventing and suppressing drug smuggling on ships. |
About International Maritime Organization (IMO)
- Specialized agency of the United Nations established in 1948.
- India is a member among 175 members and 3 associate members.
- Organizational structure includes an Assembly, a Council, and five main Committees along with sub-committees.
- IMO Council acts as the Executive Organ of IMO.
