IMO Implementation

IMO adopts international shipping standards regulations and it is the responsibility of Governments to implement them. Implementation of IMO standards is crucial to achieving IMO’s objectives. The flag State of the ship has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the ship meets applicable standards and for issuing certificates confirming the ship is seaworthy and the crew properly trained. Port State control exists to catch the ships that slip through the flag State net of inspections and surveys. Most IMO conventions contain provisions allowing for port State control officers to inspect ships flying foreign flags when in port. IMO has encouraged the development of regional port State control organizations, where countries involved share information on ships inspected, so sub-standard ships can be targeted and ships that are up to standard will not be detained by unnecessary inspections.

Technical assistance:
Countries that are having difficulties in implementing IMO conventions can request assistance under IMO’s Integrated Technical Co-operation Programme. The main emphasis of the programme is on training and IMO has three international training institutes under its auspices: the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden; the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta; and the International Maritime Academy in Trieste, Italy.