IMO Role

Every 21ST century professional seafarer will agree that IMO is the greatest Gift to the Maritime industry.
IMO first came into being in 1958 as the International Maritime Consultative Organization. The word ‘Consultative’ was inserted to respond to the preference among its member States at that time to place limits on the power that the Organization could exercise. In the year 1982 the word Consultative was removed.
Today the IMO as an Organization has excelled in its record of achievement. IMO 's main functions, as stated in its conventions, are consultative and advisory. It serves as a organisation where members can discuss and exchange their views and recommendations on maritime industry. They will consult and present recommendations

Flag States have also provided a huge support globally to enforce IMO safety culture and Legislations.

Classification Societies have also adopted the safety standards and code of practice which the IMO has introduced and have set new standards in the Ship building industry.
The IMO has also done a great service to protect the environment for the future generation. One of the latest legislations introduced is the Polar Code which covers Design of ships, Equipment, Operational procedures, Training, Search and Rescue and Environment protection and all these is applicable to vessels operating in the North and South Polar regions.
The new Polar code regulations cover.
Prevention of Pollution by Oil – Discharge of any Oily mixtures is Probhited. Fuel oil tanks must be separated from the Outer Shell.
Prevention of Pollution by Noxious liquid substances – Discharge of Noxious liquid or mixtures containing such substance is probhited.
Prevention of Pollution by sewage is only permitted when performed in compliance with MARPOL Annex VI and the requirements of the Polar

Member countries of the IMO implementing STCW standards for their training centres are contributing to the safe operation of the ships and crew at sea by training them with the safest and best work practices in the industry. The STCW code is designed system for the implementation of a global standard for Maritime Education and Training which was adopted at IMO. Without the IMO it would have been impossible to maintain this system of maritime governance.
Based on my 22 years of Experience in the Shipping and Offshore oil and gas industry I would like to see a common standard worldwide with regards to the certification of Maritime Officers mainly with requirements of Sea time and mandatory study period in Professional Maritime colleges as I have seen a small percentage of Deck Officers and Marine Engineers in the industry with very poor knowledge of their profession and that is because they come from countries where they have been issued with a STCW certificate but did not have to do attend a professional Maritime college. But I honestly believe that this will change in the years to