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.

07 Oct 2025

Update on Maritime Autonomous Surface Shipping

The proposed non-mandatory Maritime Autonomous Surface Shipping (MASS) Code took one step closer to finalisation last week at an Inter-Sessional Working Group of the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee.

Institute News
29 Sep 2025

IMO Secretary General briefs The Nautical Institute

His Excellency Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the IMO, delivered a personal briefing to the Nautical Institute and other IMO delegations on Wednesday 24 September 2025.

Institute News
26 Sep 2025

Philippines Ambassador visits The Nautical Institute

His Excellency Teodoro Locsin Jr, Ambassador from the Philippines to the United Kingdom, met with headquarters staff at The Nautical Institute on Wednesday 24 September 2025

Institute News
12 Sep 2025

Carriage of Cargoes and Containers at the IMO.

The IMO’s sub-Committee on the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers met in London between 8 and 12 September 2025.

Institute News
11 Aug 2025

Italy’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the IMO visits our HQ

Earlier this month we welcomed Captain Giuseppe Spera Ph.D, Head of the Maritime Office at the Italian Embassy in London and Italy’s Alternate Permanent Representative at the IMO in our office.

Institute News
05 Aug 2025

SeaGoing Correspondence Group (SGCG)

One of the great strengths of The Nautical Institute is our ability to connect those at sea to decision makers ashore.

Institute News
29 Jul 2025

Casualties, fatigue and port state control at the IMO

The IMO’s sub-Committee on the Implementation of IMO Instruments met in London between 21 and 25 July 2025.

Institute News
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