As a United Nations body, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the global authority for international maritime regulations. Since 2009, The Nautical Institute has held Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Consultative Status with the IMO, allowing us to provide a vital professional perspective on issues affecting seafarers and maritime operations.

Our aim is to ensure that the voices of seafarers and all maritime professionals are represented in the development of policies that shape the future of our industry.

Captain David Patraiko FNI heads our delegation as Accredited Representative, alongside Captain Chris O’Flaherty AFNI, our lead delegate, and Captain Aly Elsayed AFNI, our Senior Technical Manager, who both attend nearly all IMO Committee, Sub-Committee, and working group sessions.

Our voice at the IMO is strengthened by expert volunteer delegates from within our membership, drawing on a deep well of hands-on expertise from professionals both at sea and ashore.

Guiding our approach at the IMO is The Nautical Institute’s IMO Committee, a group of ten experienced members appointed by our Council and chaired by Captain Robert McCabe FNI. The Committee reviews the IMO agenda and advises on advocacy topics, ensuring that our participation is targeted and effective.

With over 12,000 members, many of whom are sailing seafarers, The Nautical Institute has earned a respected voice at the IMO. While we do not have voting rights, our commitment is unwavering: to advocate for maritime regulations that reflect the real-world needs and insights of seafarers.

17 Jul 2025

IMO Volunteer Expert Delegate Scheme

Are you a member of The Nautical Institute and passionate about maritime safety, regulation and representing professional mariners where it matters the most?

Institute News
16 Jul 2025

Your voice at the IMO: Sub-committee on ship design and construction

Capt. Chris O'Flaherty AFNI and Marc Arpon AMNIS

16 Jul 2025

Your voice at the IMO: Maritime Safety committee (MSC 109)

Capt. Chris O'Flaherty AFNI and Capt. Jeff Parfitt FNI

15 Jul 2025

Your voice at the IMO: Carriage, cargos and containers subcommittee

Capt. Chris O'Flaherty AFNI and Cameron Livingstone MNI

14 Jul 2025

Executive Decisions at the IMO

The executive body of our global shipping regulator met last week in London.

Institute News
30 Jun 2025

IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee

Maritime security and seafarer safety, including the human element of seafaring, were the focus of the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee held between 18 and 27 June

Institute News
26 Jun 2025

Seaways IMO Update - July 2025

News from the Navigation, Communication, and Search and Rescue Subcommittee and the Technical Cooperation Committee

Seaways
20 Jun 2025

Addressing Criminalisation of seafarers

Criminalisation of seafarers, often for matters outwit their direct control, is a significant issue for our industry.

Institute News
20 Jun 2025

Oman’s IMO Delegation at The Nautical Institute

The delegation of the Sultanate of Oman visited our offices on 19 June 2025.

Institute News
09 Jun 2025

Technical cooperation at the IMO

The development of Member State capacity towards better regulation, enforcement and implementation was the focus of last week’s International Maritime Organisation Technical Cooperation Committee.

Institute News
02 Jun 2025

Substandard shipping, seafarer criminalisation and maritime security

At a briefing on 30 May 2025, the Secretary-General of the IMO, His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez, addressed The Nautical Institute and other accredited NGOs on the key issues currently engaging his attention.

Institute News
30 May 2025

Call for nominations: 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award

We are pleased to support the IMO’s call for nominations for the 2026 Gender Equality Award, which recognises individuals, regardless of gender, who have made outstanding contributions to gender equality in the maritime industry.

Institute News