The International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS

The International Maritime Organisation is the leading international organisation in the field of maritime matters. The operations of the IMO are of a technical nature and seeks to promote safety of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution.

South Africa is a party to many of the conventions or protocols that fall under the auspices of the IMO.

South Africa became a full member of the IMO in February 1995 after having observer status from 1948.

South Africa is a Member of the Council of the IMO (Category C). In essence our membership is limited to the group of states that experience a large volume of sea traffic, particularly that of cargo and fuel, while our own maritime fleet remains relatively small.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND COOPERATING ORGANISATIONS

Department of Transport
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
South African Maritime and Safety Authority

RELEVANT TREATIES/PROTOCOLS

International Convention for the prevention of pollution from ships
Protocol to the International Convention for the prevention of pollution from ships
International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue
International Convention for safe containers
London Dumping Convention
International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of ships
International Convention on standards of training and watchkeeping of seafarers
International Convention on Civil liability for oil pollution damage
Convention on the International regulations for preventing collisions at sea
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
International Convention on Load Lines
Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organisation
Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fisshing Vessels
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel
International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation
International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water and Sediments
Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation and its Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (SUA Treaties)

GENERAL COMMENTS

South African involvement with the IMO has increased considerably over the last few years, with specific reference to the development of Port State Control and the upgrading of the safety and training standards of East African states. The focus has also shifted towards the upgrading of the shipping control systems of the SADC coastal states.