International Maritime Organization
The International Maritime Organization (IMO; French: Organisation maritime internationale; Spanish: Organización MarÃtima Internacional) is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating maritime transport. The IMO was established following agreement at a UN conference held in Geneva in 1948 and the IMO came into existence ten years later, meeting for the first time on 17 March 1958. Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, the IMO currently has 176 Member States and three Associate Members.
| Abbreviation | IMO, OMI |
|---|---|
| Formation | 17 March 1948 |
| Type | United Nations specialised agency |
| Legal status | Active |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
Head | Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez |
Parent organization | United Nations Economic and Social Council |
| Website | imo.org |
| Politics portal | |
The IMO's primary purpose is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit today includes maritime safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping. IMO is governed by an assembly of members which meets every two years. Its finance and organization is administered by a council of 40 members elected from the assembly. The work of IMO is conducted through five committees and these are supported by technical subcommittees. Other UN organisations may observe the proceedings of the IMO. Observer status is granted to qualified non-governmental organisations.
IMO is supported by a permanent secretariat of employees who are representative of the organisation's members. The secretariat is composed of a Secretary-General who is periodically elected by the assembly, and various divisions such as those for marine safety, environmental protection and a conference section.