Celebrate IMO Conventions this World Maritime Day

This week across the globe World Maritime Day 2014 will be marked by celebrations with the theme “IMO Conventions: Effective Implementation.”

 

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations specialised agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. The IMO has developed 53 international conventions relating to ship safety, equipment, certification, manning and ship operations, to ensure international shipping keeps up to date with technical and technological advances in safety, and addresses the ever increasing number of environmental challenges and concerns of Member States. 

 

Some of the cornerstone conventions of the IMO include the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships (MARPOL), and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

 

More than 90 per cent of the world’s trade is carried by sea, making maritime transport invaluable to the global community. As the largest island nation in the world, Australia is particularly reliant on sea transport and receives more than 25,000 ship visits each year, with 10 per cent of the world’s total trade passing through our ports.

 

Australia is a key player at the IMO, having served on its governing Council for more than 40 years. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) represents Australia’s interests at the IMO and is the national regulator which implements IMO conventions in Australian waters and for ships visiting Australian ports. Australia has a strong reputation for supporting the IMO and effectively implementing their conventions through domestic legislation and supporting programs.

 

AMSA’s Chief Executive Officer Mick Kinley said that IMO conventions have improved the international shipping industry in many ways with significant improvements for seafarers, environmental health and ship safety.

 

“The theme of “IMO Conventions: Effective Implementation” is fitting for World Maritime Day 2014 as IMO Conventions have an impact on everyone working in the shipping industry,” Mr Kinley said.

 

“It is in Australia’s interests that all ships and seafarers operating in Australian waters comply with international standards to protect our marine environment and to safely carry commodities to and from Australia,” he said. 

 

“It is a credit to the industry that the large majority of ship operators work hard to ensure their ships meet the required standards. AMSA will also continue to work hard through our Port State inspection program to ensure we identify those ships that may not be operated quite so diligently.” 

https://www.amsa.gov.au/media/documents/24092014_MediaRelease_WorldMaritimeDay2014_000.pdf