The Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways participated in the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.India, as an elected member of the IMO Council for countries with a large interest in international seaborne trade, highlighted the pressing issue of seafarer abandonment.Seafarers are people who work on ships or people who travel regularly on the sea. India secured its position as one of the eight governments representing IMO in the Joint Tripartite Working Group, dedicated to addressing seafarers’ issues and the human element in maritime operations. Other proposed members are the Philippines, Thailand, Liberia, Panama, Greece, the US, and France.
Major decisions and resolutions of the 132nd session of the international maritime organization
- Other proposed member countries of the International Maritime Organization include the Philippines, Thailand, Liberia, Panama, Greece, the US and France.
- Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and surrounding areas In international maritime trade and operations Concerns related to disruptions impacting shipping and trade logistics were also considered.
- India reiterated its proposal for a South Asian Center of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT).
- This regional center aims to transform the maritime sector in India and South Asia into a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable and digitally efficient industry.
- This center will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting technical cooperation, capacity building and digital transformation.
International maritime organization
- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for regulating global shipping and preventing marine pollution caused by ships.1।
- The IMO was established in 1948 following a United Nations conference in Geneva, Switzerland, but officially came into existence in 1958.
- It has 175 member countries and three associate member countries.
- Its headquarters is located in London, United Kingdom.
- India decided to join IMO in 1959 and joined.
Role of international maritime organization
- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is an important organization that plays a regulatory and leadership role in the field of maritime transport. This organization is recognized worldwide for maritime safety, navigation and development of waterways.
Following are the main roles of IMO
- To create a fair and effective regulatory framework for the maritime transport industry : The main objective of IMO is to create a fair and effective regulatory framework for the maritime transport industry. This framework helps to coordinate the rules of maritime safety, navigation and waterways between different countries.
- To facilitate and secure international maritime traffic : According to the rules and standards set by IMO, work is done to make maritime traffic smooth and safe.
- Organizing International Maritime Day : IMO celebrates World Maritime Day every last Thursday of September, which aims to highlight the importance of maritime activities.
Structure and functions of the international maritime organization
- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency under the United Nations mandated to regulate maritime traffic.
- It was called “Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization” (IMCO) until 1982.
- IMO is governed by an Assembly of Members, which meets biennially and has a Council of 40 members.
- This council is elected by the Assembly for a term of two years.
- The supreme governing body of IMO is the Assembly, which is responsible for overseeing the work of the organization.
- It performs the functions of the Assembly, including making recommendations to governments on matters of maritime safety and pollution prevention.
- The IMO’s functions are conducted through five committees and various subcommittees, which are responsible for the development of and compliance with international conventions, resolutions and guidelines.
India and international maritime organization
- India remains in Category-B of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) Council, highlighting its continued commitment to maritime matters.
- India’s active engagement with IMO is of utmost importance for enhancing the country’s maritime capabilities and global maritime security.