Imo what does imo mean

Introduction to IMO

IMO – the International Maritime Organization – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. IMO’s work supports the UN SDGs.​

As a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.

International shipping transports more than 80 per cent of global trade to peoples and communities all over the world. Shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective method of international transportation for most goods; it provides a dependable, low-cost means of transporting goods globally, facilitating commerce and helping to create prosperity among nations and peoples.

The world relies on a safe, secure and efficient international shipping industry – and this is provided by the regulatory framework developed and maintained by IMO.

IMO measures cover all aspects of international shipping – including ship design, construction, equipment, manning, operation and disposal – to ensure that this vital sector for remains safe, environmentally sound, energy efficient and secure.

Shipping is an essential component of any programme for future sustainable economic growth. Through IMO, the Organization’s Member States, civil society and the shipping industry are already working together to ensure a continued and strengthened contribution towards a green economy and growth in a sustainable manner. The promotion of sustainable shipping and sustainable maritime development is one of the major priorities of IMO in the coming years.

Energy efficiency, new technology and innovation, maritime education and training, maritime security, maritime traffic management and the development of the maritime infrastructure: the development and implementation, through IMO, of global standards covering these and other issues will underpin IMO’s commitment to provide the institutional framework necessary for a green and sustainable global maritime transportation system.

What does IMO mean?

The acronym is very helpful to get your opinion across.

Posted on Jan 19, 2019 Updated on Feb 10, 2021, 9:59 am CST

What does IMO mean? It’s an abridgment often used on social media and in chats to save time and space in posts, usually employed before someone offers their unique take on a topic. And IMO, using IMO in texts is a pretty great way to save time and space when expressing what you really think.

What does IMO mean?

The abbreviation “IMO” is an internet slang acronym that commonly stands for “in my opinion.”

@westindianbae/Twitter

IMO can also be used at the end of a statement or sentence to emphasize the fact that what’s just been said is merely one individual opinion.

@westindianbae/Twitter

The use of IMO, especially on Twitter, is often used in an effort not to appear confrontational, or to make clear that what you’re saying is totally subjective. This is similar to other Twitter phrases like “don’t @ me.”

For example, saying “Fozzie Bear is the best Muppet” is a strong statement that could cause an angry reaction. Softening it with “IMO Fozzie Bear is the best Muppet” might provoke a more conversational response.

@youngjaecucu/Twitter

But “imo” is also used in a passive-aggressive way (e.g., “imo they have no idea what they’re talking about”). And some people use it as a substitute for simply saying, “I know that I’m right.”

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What about IMHO?

An alternative option you will see in use is “IMHO.” This means “in my humble opinion.”

Laura Brown/Twitter

Some people interpret this variation as “in my honest opinion.” But surely no-one gives a dishonest opinion, so this doesn’t make as much sense as “humble.” Either way, it’s a fun way to vary your opinionated abbreviations.

A recent BuzzFeed poll on the topic went viral with an argument about which version is correct. In the end, over 100,000 votes for “humble” saw it edging it forward as the most popular choice with 57% of the vote.

JMHO, meaning “just my humble opinion,” is a less common, but nonetheless still used, alternative.

Taking variations to the maximum, IMNSHO can be used to say “in my not so humble opinion” usually used jokingly or ironically.

There is also “in my considered opinion” (INCO), “in my educated opinion” (INEO) or even “in my absolutely honest opinion” (INAHO). Although, TBH, if you’re abbreviating phrases that get this complicated, people might not understand what it is you mean. It’s probably better to stick with the basic IMO or go ahead and spell it all out.

Other meanings

While if you’re talking internet slang, IMO almost certainly means “in my opinion,” but there are other less popular meanings for this particular acronym.

Keep in mind that you could get your wires crossed with this abbreviation. IMO can also stand for “in memory of,” the International Maritime Organization, the International Meteor Organization, or the International Meteorological Organization. There’s also a fairly popular messaging app called imo and Imo, the Nigerian state.

Amy-Mae Turner

Amy-Mae Turner is a tech reporter who focuses on gadgets, streaming entertainment, social media, and internet lingo. She previously served as a senior features writer for Mashable.

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What does IMO mean on social media?

The abbreviation “IMO” is an internet slang acronym that commonly stands for “in my opinion. «

What is IMO on social media? IMO stands for in my opinion. You might also see, “IMHO” (in my humble opinion.) Many teenagers use this acronym when expressing an unpopular idea or something bold. Again, you will generally see this slang term used on the internet.

What does IMO kid mean?

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IMO Kids | International Maritime Organization for Kids.

What is POG in texting? pog ”is used in the Twitch community to mean“play of the game“; you can be “pogchamp”

What does IOM mean?

What is IMO person?

IMO is also shorthand for “In my opinion. ” What that means is that IMO can simply mean someone is offering their perspective or opinion. However, although IMO is an acronym or abbreviation, it’s also considered a slang word that isn’t widely used in professional writing.

Is IMHO rude?

I’ve often seen people write IMHO in what is pretty clearly an attempt to soften a statement of disagreement. It certainly could be used sarcastically. But that’s true of any polite statement. Like, “I‘m sorry ”is generally a very polite thing to say.

What is IMO Urban Dictionary?

What does LFG mean?

First Definition of LFG

What does XD mean?

1. an expression used in text messages or e-mails signaling happiness or laughter. XD is an emoticons. X represents closed eyes while D stands for an open mouth.

What POS means?

A point of sale (POS) is a place where a customer executes the payment for goods or services and where sales taxes may become payable. A POS transaction may occur in person or online, with receipts generated either in print or electronically.

What does it mean when a girl says Wyddd?

What does ion mean in Snapchat?

Simply put, ion stands for ‘In Other News‘. It is an acronym that has come to be used quite universally. Ion’s use extends beyond the confines of Snapchat, and can even be found in text messages and DMs.

What does IPM stand for?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable, science-based, decision-making process that combines biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools to identify, manage and reduce risk from pests and pest management tools and strategies in a way that minimizes overall economic, health and environmental risks.

What does IMO cry mean?

written abbreviation for in my opinion: used when you tell someone your opinion, for example in an email. Compared. imho.

How do you use IMO in a sentence?

Imo sentence example

What does IMK mean in texting?

Overall, the abbreviation IMK most frequently stands for “in my knowledge. ” This trending slang term is often used in SMS text messaging and on social media when prefacing a statement that may or may not be true.

What does TTYL mean?

The initialism ttyl stands for “talk to you later. «

What is the meaning of FTW?

What does FTW mean? FTW is an abbreviation of the phrase for the win. For the win is a slang expression that enthusiastically conveys something is excellent or will succeed — it’s awesome, the greatest, the best ever.

What does LFM mean?

What does IFG mean in text?

What does GG mean?

GG is an acronym that means “good game, ”And is usually said at the end of online multiplayer games. Saying GG at the end of games is considered good sportsmanship, and in some games, can even earn you rewards.

What does AFK mean?

AFK means “away from keyboard”In typing shorthand. Its meaning can be literal or it can simply indicate that you aren’t online. AFK is a helpful phrase for communal online spaces, when you want a quick way to communicate that you’re stepping away.

What does NVM mean?

Abbreviations of ‘Never mind‘

In social media, never mind is abbreviated NVM (also NM) or lowercase nvm (nm) and is usually used to tersely say “Disregard my last comment.” On second thought, nvm. #

What does IMO mean on social media?

The abbreviation “IMO” is an internet slang acronym that commonly stands for “in my opinion.”

What is IMO on social media? IMO stands for in my opinion. You might also see, “IMHO” (in my humble opinion.) Many teenagers use this acronym when expressing an unpopular idea or something bold. Again, you will generally see this slang term used on the internet.

What does IMO kid mean?

RelatedPosts

What means black heart?

How do you respond to sus?

IMO Kids | International Maritime Organization for Kids.

What is POG in texting? pog” is used in the Twitch community to mean “play of the game“; you can be “pogchamp”

What does IOM mean?

What is IMO person?

IMO is also shorthand for “in my opinion.” What that means is that IMO can simply mean someone is offering their perspective or opinion. However, although IMO is an acronym or abbreviation, it’s also considered a slang word that isn’t widely used in professional writing.

Is IMHO rude?

I’ve often seen people write IMHO in what is pretty clearly an attempt to soften a statement of disagreement. It certainly could be used sarcastically. But that’s true of any polite statement. Like, “I‘m sorry” is generally a very polite thing to say.

What is IMO Urban Dictionary?

IMO — “in my opinion”

What does LFG mean?

First Definition of LFG

What does XD mean?

1. an expression used in text messages or e-mails signaling happiness or laughter. XD is an emoticon. X represents closed eyes while D stands for an open mouth.

What POS means?

A point of sale (POS) is a place where a customer executes the payment for goods or services and where sales taxes may become payable. A POS transaction may occur in person or online, with receipts generated either in print or electronically.

What does it mean when a girl says Wyddd?

Editors Contribution. WYDDD. A sneaky way of the woman to try to slide into a man’s or other women’s DM’s/messages. “Wyddd” – “She want’s the D.”

What does ion mean in Snapchat?

Simply put, ion stands for ‘In Other News‘. It is an acronym that has come to be used quite universally. Ion’s use extends beyond the confines of Snapchat, and can even be found in text messages and DMs.

What does IPM stand for?

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable, science-based, decision-making process that combines biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools to identify, manage and reduce risk from pests and pest management tools and strategies in a way that minimizes overall economic, health and environmental risks.

What does IMO cry mean?

written abbreviation for in my opinion: used when you tell someone your opinion, for example in an email. Compare. imho.

How do you use IMO in a sentence?

Imo sentence example

What does IMK mean in texting?

Overall, the abbreviation IMK most frequently stands for “in my knowledge.” This trending slang term is often used in SMS text messaging and on social media when prefacing a statement that may or may not be true.

What does TTYL mean?

The initialism ttyl stands for “talk to you later.”

What is the meaning of FTW?

What does FTW mean? FTW is an abbreviation of the phrase for the win. For the win is a slang expression that enthusiastically conveys something is excellent or will succeed—it’s awesome, the greatest, the best ever.

What does LFM mean?

What does IFG mean in text?

What does GG mean?

GG is an acronym that means “good game,” and is usually said at the end of online multiplayer games. Saying GG at the end of games is considered good sportsmanship, and in some games, can even earn you rewards.

What does AFK mean?

AFK means “away from keyboard” in typing shorthand. Its meaning can be literal or it can simply indicate that you aren’t online. AFK is a helpful phrase for communal online spaces, when you want a quick way to communicate that you’re stepping away.

What does NVM mean?

Abbreviations of ‘Never Mind‘

In social media, never mind is abbreviated NVM (also NM) or lowercase nvm (nm) and is usually used to tersely say “Disregard my last comment.” On second thought, nvm. #

Frequently Asked Questions

The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships. It is also involved in legal matters, including liability and compensation issues and the facilitation of international maritime traffic. It was established by means of a Convention adopted under the auspices of the United Nations in Geneva on 17 March 1948 and met for the first time in January 1959.

It currently has 175 Member States. IMO’s governing body is the Assembly which is made up of all the Member States and meets normally once every two years. It adopts the budget for the next biennium together with technical resolutions and recommendations prepared by subsidiary bodies during the previous two years. The Council, of 40 Member States elected by the Assembly, acts as governing body in between Assembly sessions. It prepares the budget and work programme for the Assembly. The main technical work is carried out by the Maritime Safety, Marine Environment Protection, Legal, Technical Co-operation and Facilitation Committees and a number of sub-committees.

The IMO slogan sums up its objectives: Safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans.

Only a country can become a Member of IMO. IMO currently has 175 Member States.

Shipping and other interests are represented at IMO through Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGOs) which have concluded agreements of co-operation with IMO and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Consultative Status with IMO.

Individuals wishing to raise an issue at IMO should approach their national maritime administration or appropriate IGO or NGO.​

When IMO first began operations its chief concern was to develop international treaties and other legislation concerning safety and marine pollution prevention.

By the late 1970s, however, this work had been largely completed, though a number of important instruments were adopted in more recent years. IMO is now concentrating on keeping legislation up to date and ensuring that it is ratified by as many countries as possible. This has been so successful that many Conventions now apply to more than 98% of world merchant shipping tonnage.

Because shipping is an international industry. If each nation developed its own safety legislation the result would be a maze of differing, often conflicting national laws. One nation, for example, might insist on lifeboats being made of steel and another of glass-reinforced plastic. Some nations might insist on very high safety standards while others might be more lax, acting as havens for sub-standard shipping. ​

Try the Knowledge Centre on this site.

There are also various external sources of information:

IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) has a number of modules providing information submitted by Governments, including maritime casualties, reports on piracy and armed robbery, stowaways and so on.​

IMO doesn’t implement any legislation itself. The organization was established to adopt legislation. Governments are responsible for implementing it. When a Government accepts an IMO Convention it agrees to make it part of its own national law and to enforce it just like any other law.

Regional port State control organizations have been established to share information on ships inspected. These regional PSC agreements now cover the whole globe: Europe and the north Atlantic (Paris MOU); Asia and the Pacific (Tokyo MOU); Latin America (Acuerdo de Viña del Mar); Caribbean (Caribbean MOU); West and Central Africa (Abuja MOU); the Black Sea region (Black Sea MOU); the Mediterranean (Mediterranean MOU); the Indian Ocean (Indian Ocean MOU) and the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC MoU (Riyadh MoU)).

IMO also has an extensive technical co-operation programme which concentrates on improving the ability of developing countries to help themselves. It concentrates on developing human resources through maritime training and similar activities.

IMO has developed a Member State Audit Scheme and the audits became mandatory from 1 January 2016.

The Audit Scheme is designed to help promote maritime safety and environmental protection by assessing how effectively Member States implement and enforce relevant IMO Convention standards, and by providing them with feedback and advice on their current performance.​

All ships must be surveyed in ordered to be issued certificates which establish their seaworthiness, type of ship, and so on and this is the responsibility of the flag State of the vessel. However, the flag State («Administration») may «entrust the inspections and surveys either to surveyors nominated for the purpose or to organizations recognized by it» (SOLAS Chapter 1, regulation 6).

In practice these «recognized organizations» are often the classification societies. IMO has adopted a mandatory Code for recognized organizations (RO Code), which provides flag States with standards mechanisms for the oversight, assessment and authorization of recognized organizations (ROs) and clarifies the responsibilities of such organizations.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is a Non-Governmental Organization which was granted Consultative Status with IMO in 1969.​

In 1954 a treaty was adopted dealing with oil pollution from ships. IMO took over responsibility for this treaty in 1959, but it was not until 1967, when the tanker Torrey Canyon ran aground off the coast of the United Kingdom and spilled more than 120,000 tons of oil into the sea, that the shipping world realized just how serious the pollution threat was. Until then many people had believed that the seas were big enough to cope with any pollution caused by human activity. Since then IMO has adopted a whole series of conventions covering prevention of marine pollution by ships, preparedness and response to incidents involving oil and hazardous and noxious substances, prevention of use of harmful anti-fouling systems and the international convention on ballast water management to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water.

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) deals with all issues relating to marine environment protection as it relates to shipping. the Sub-Committee on Polllution Prevention and Response (PPR) reports to the MEPC.

IMO’s Technical Co-operation Programme is hugely important in ensuring Member States have the resources and expertise to implement IMO conventions relating to marine pollution prevention. Examples of programmes include: sensitivity mapping to identify which parts of a coastline are particularly vulnerable; training in oil spill response and contingency planning; and the GloBallast Partnerships Project which is addressing ballast water management issues to prevent the transfer of aquatic invasive species.

The IMO has a significant role to play in preserving the marine environment and ensuring that shipping does not have a negative impact. It is recognized that environmentally speaking in terms of energy needed for volume of cargo transported, shipping is one of the «greenest» transport methods.​

IMO usually tries to act on a consensus basis. This is because it is important that measures adopted by the Organization, which can have a major impact on shipping, achieve as much support as possible. A treaty that was supported by only 51 per cent of the IMO membership, for example, would be opposed by nearly half the shipping world. Not only would they not ratify the treaty concerned but they might go off and adopt an alternative treaty of their own, thereby dividing the maritime community. But this does not mean that the measures themselves are of a low standard.

Experience has show that the treaties adopted by IMO represent an extremely high standard and their acceptability can be shown by the fact that many of them are now almost universal in their coverage. SOLAS, for example, has been accepted by more than 162 countries and covers all but a fraction of the world merchant fleet.​

IMO is one of the smallest agencies in the United Nations system, both in terms of staff numbers (just 265 permanent staff) and budget. The IMO Assembly in 2015 approved a budget of £65,772,000 for 2016-2017, comprising an appropriation of £32,618,000 for 2016 (zero nominal growth) and an appropriation of £33,154,000 (zero real growth of 1.6%) for 2017.

This is less than half what it would cost to buy a medium sized oil tanker and represents only a fraction of the cost of the damage caused by an oil spill, for example (the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska in 1989 has cost more than US$5 billion). If IMO is responsible for preventing just one oil tanker accident a year then it more than covers its cost.

The IMO budget is unique for another reason. Costs are shared between the 174 Member States primarily in proportion to the size of each one’s fleet of merchant ships. The biggest fleets in the world are currently operated by Panama, Liberia and the Marshall Islands so they pay the biggest share of IMO’s budget.​

The «IMO» police force would duplicate the work being done already by individual Governments and there is no guarantee that it would make a significant impact on safety and pollution, certainly in relation to the cost involved. IMO has however been given the authority to vet the training, examination and certification procedures of Contracting Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978. This was one of the most important changes made in the 1995 amendments to the Convention which entered into force in 1997. Governments have to provide relevant information to IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee which judges whether or not the country concerned meets the requirements of the Convention. The result is a List of Confirmed Parties to STCW.

The mandatory audits under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme support the enhanced implementation of IMO instruments, as the scheme will provide Member States with an overview of how well they are carrying out their duties as flag, coastal and port States, under the relevant IMO treaties. The process will also feed into IMO’s extensive technical cooperation programme, to provide targeted assistance and capacity-building to States, as well as to the Organization’s regulatory process.​

Parliamentary procedures to ratify the international treaties into national law can take time and this sometimes means that there are inevitably a number of years between adoption of a new treaty and its entry into force.

But IMO can act as rapidly as possible, in response to specific casualties or other circumstances.

Following the Costa Concordia incident, in January 2012, IMO agreed interim operational measures for passenger ships at its Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) meeting six months later, following this up by adopting amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in 2013.

In December 2003, IMO revised the rules on oil tanker single-hull phase-out, in response to the Prestige incident of 2002.

In another example, following the Estonia disaster of September 1994, in which a passenger ro-ro ferry sank with the loss of more than 900 lives, the then Secretary-General of IMO, Mr. William A. O’Neil, called for a complete review of ro-ro safety to be carried out by a special panel of experts. The panel’s report was considered by the Maritime Safety Committee in May 1995 and amendments to SOLAS were adopted in November 1995. Special requirements concerning the crews of ro-ro passenger ships were included in amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978 that were adopted in July 1995. All of this was done before the final report into the disaster had been issued.

IMO has improved its procedures over the years to ensure that changes can be introduced more quickly.

One of the most successful of these has been the process known as «tacit acceptance» which has been included in most technical conventions adopted by IMO since the early 1970s. The normal procedure for adopting amendments to an international treaty is by means of «explicit acceptance.»

This means that the amendments enter into force so many months after being accepted by a specified number of Parties to the original Convention. The number can be as high as two-thirds and if the parent convention has been accepted by a large number of countries it could mean 80 or more of them having to ratify the amendment before it becomes international law.

Because of the care taken at IMO conferences to achieve consensus, very few rejections have ever been received and the entry into force period has been steadily reduced. In exceptional cases amendments can enter into force as little a year after being adopted. Apart from the speed, tacit acceptance also means that everyone involved knows exactly when an amendments will enter into force.​

Today most ships fly the flags of developing countries, their crews come from all over the world. Ships themselves have changed dramatically in size, speed and design and in addition economic factors mean that the average of ships today is much higher than it used to be. Despite these changes, safety standards around the world are generally good and have improved considerably since the late 1970s, when IMO treaties began to enter into force and the number of acceptances rose to record levels.

As far as pollution is concerned, the indications are that there has been a remarkable improvement in the amount of pollution caused by ships. This is partly due to the tightening of controls through IMO conventions such as the MARPOL Convention and partly to the introduction of better methods of controlling the disposal of wastes. According to a study carried out by the United States National Academy of Sciences oil pollution from ships fell by about 60% during the 1980s, coinciding with the entry into force of MARPOL 73/78.

Whilst statistics have to be used with care, it should be noted that the incidence of large spills is relatively low; a very few large spills account for a high percentage of the oil spilt. Nevertheless, it is generally acknowledged that oil spills from shipping have decreased significantly over the last 30 years. Statistics from the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) bear this out.

All of this is encouraging. But IMO is aware that implementation of its instruments and continuing emphasis on maritime education and training are crucial in order to ensure safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans. ​

Maritime security is an integral part of IMO’s responsibilities. A comprehensive security regime for international shipping entered into force on 1 July 2004.

The mandatory security measures, adopted in December 2002, include a number of amendments to the SOLAS Convention, the most far-reaching of which enshrines the new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), which contains detailed security-related requirements for Governments, port authorities and shipping companies.

The measures are kept under review. The Facilitation and Maritime Safety Committees have initiated consideration of cyber security matters and are working on this matter in consultation with other United Nations bodies and relevant international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

IMO’s SUA Treaties were adopted in 1988 and underwent a comprehensive revision in 2005. The SUA Treaties aim to provide the international legal framework to ensure that appropriate action is taken against persons committing unlawful acts against ships (and fixed platforms on the continental shelf). These unlawful acts listed in the treaties include the seizure of ships by force; acts of violence against persons on board ships; and the placing of devices on board a ship which are likely to destroy or damage it.

IMO participates in the work of UN Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee’s Executive Directorate and the UN General Assembly’s Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force, through country assessment visits, capacity building coordination, and exchange of policy developments with other UN and partner entities involved in Border Management and Law Enforcement.​

IMO has been addressing maritime piracy for some time and a series of measures, developed in co-operation with Member States and the shipping industry, have helped significantly reduce piracy in the hot spots of the world. In the late 1990s and the early 2000s the focus was on the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. More recently, since 2005, IMO has addressed piracy off the coast of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean, and is implementing a strategy for enhancing maritime security in West and Central Africa.

IMO has successfully implemented a multi-million dollar programme to support the Djibouti Code of Conduct concerning the Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, which was adopted in 2009.

The IMO Djibouti Code Trust Fund has funded numerous projects, coordinated by the multi-national Project Implementation Unit, to improve regional capacity to counter-piracy by developing enhanced regional cooperation and coordination, in the four pillars of training, capacity building, legal and information sharing.

A similar code of conduct has been adopted for West and Central Africa, where IMO is implementing a strategy for enhancing maritime security in in order to counter piracy, armed robbery against ships and other illicit activities and to support the development of a vibrant, sustainable maritime sector.

Elsewhere, IMO’s work to support regional coordination and cooperation in south east Asia, under a programme initiated in 1998, led to the adoption of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) in 2004.​

The Technical Co-operation Programme is designed to assist Governments which lack the technical knowledge and resources that are needed to operate a shipping industry successfully. Any Member State can apply to IMO for assistance with specific projects. ​

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is an integrated communications system using satellite and terrestrial radiocommunications to ensure that no matter where a ship is in distress, aid can be dispatched. Under the GMDSS, all passenger ships and all cargo ships over 300 gross tonnage on international voyages have to carry specified satellite and radiocommunications equipment, for sending and receiving distress alerts and maritime safety information, and for general communications. The GMDSS became fully effective from 1 February 1999. It is currently undergoing a comprehensive review. ​

Texts of IMO Conventions can be purchased via the Publications section. Texts can also be found in national public libraries and in the libraries of maritime training institutes.

For legal purposes, only the authentic texts and certified copies of Conventions and amendments should be used. Please note that texts of IMO Conventions found on external websites may not be up to date. You should also contact your national maritime Administration.

Conventions ratified by a Government are adopted into national legislation and the national version will be available through the usual channels (official bulletins, etc).​

Individuals wishing to raise an issue at IMO, or wanting information on implementation of IMO instruments in their country or on their vessel, should approach their national maritime administration or appropriate IGO or NGO.

To contact IMO Secretariat, see the Contact Us page.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.​

See the Knowledge Centre section as well as the other sections of the website. The Site Index can help you find information on a specific subject while external search engines can also help.

While we will endeavour to answer specific queries we expect students to research thoroughly on the website before emailing IMO.​