International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Context: After a decade of deliberations towards decarbonising the maritime industry, at its 83rd session, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC-83) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was faced with the challenge of coming to a consensus on a proposed emissions levy on global shipping.
Important Pointers:
► Established: In 1948 by a UN convention; came into force in 1958. ► Headquarters: London, United Kingdom. ► Specialized Agency: It is a specialized agency of the United Nations. ► Primary Objective: To promote safe, secure, and efficient shipping on clean oceans. ► Main Functions:
Develops international shipping regulations (safety, environmental concerns, legal matters).
Monitors and ensures compliance with international conventions.
Key Conventions: ►SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea): Sets minimum safety standards in the construction, equipment, and operation of merchant ships. ► MARPOL (Marine Pollution): Aims to prevent and minimize pollution from ships, both accidental and from routine operations. ► STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping): Prescribes international standards for the training and certification of seafarers to ensure safety and competency at sea. ► Membership: 175 member states (as of now), including India. ► India’s Role: India is a founding member and an active participant. ► Not a Regulator: It sets standards but does not enforce laws directly; member states implement them through national maritime authorities. Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC): ► MEPC: Key committee under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Functions: ► It deals with environmental issues related to international shipping. ► Oversees the implementation of the MARPOL convention (Marine Pollution). ► Addresses pollution from ships, including oil, chemicals, sewage, and garbage. ► Regulates air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from ships.
► Sets guidelines on anti-fouling systems to prevent marine contamination by toxic substances.