Executive Decisions at the IMO

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

The International Maritime Organization’s Council, which consists of 40 flag states, considered matters ranging from the IMO Ship Identification Number Scheme, member state audits, and the budget of our regulator.

The IMO Ship Identification Number Scheme sees all passenger ships of 100 gross tonnage and upwards and all cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards issued with a unique seven-digit number that does not change throughout the life of the vessel. This allows accurate tracking of ships, even when names, countries of registration or ownership changes. Administered on behalf of the IMO by S&P Global, this relationship has been formalised into a non-cost contract, which includes key performance indicators.

Discussions included the audit by the IMO of member state implementation of IMO conventions and regulations. Since 2016, a total of 151 flag state audits have been conducted, with SOLAS Regulation IV/5 (regarding the provision of radio communications services) one of the most common national deficiencies. It was also noted that far too many corrective actions required from audits have yet to be completed, and States were encouraged to progress the fair and effective universal implementation of IMO instruments.

The regular budget of the IMO was reviewed by Council. With member contributions primarily dependent on the size of a state’s fleet the five largest contributors are currently: Liberia; Panama; Marshall Islands; China; and Singapore.

Council also approved the IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea for 2024, to Mr. Lee Tae-young, an officer on board the fishing vessel 135 Geumseongho. Nominated by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), the award recognises his extraordinary leadership, courage and selflessness displayed when rescuing, in rough seas, 12 of his fellow crew members as their vessel foundered. We send him our heartfelt congratulations.

The Nautical Institute was represented by Captains Chris O’Flaherty AFNI and Moin Ahmed FNI. A more detailed report of this meeting will be published in our members’ journal, Seaways.