United Nations Organizations/Agencies

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Objectives

IMO is a specialized agency of the UN responsible for measures to improve the safety of international shipping and to prevent marine pollution from ships. It is also involved in legal matters, including liability and compensation issues and the facilitation of international maritime traffic. It was established by means of a UN Convention adopted in Geneva on March 17, 1948, and met for the first time in January 1959.

Membership

IMO currently has 157 Member States, including Canada.

Activities

The main technical work is carried out by a number of committees, notably the Maritime Safety Committee, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), and the Legal Committee, as well as a number of sub-committees. When it was first established, IMO's main concern was to develop international treaties and other legislation concerning safety and marine pollution prevention. Many conventions now apply to more than 98% of world merchant shipping tonnage. Currently the emphasis is to ensure that these conventions and other treaties are properly implemented by the countries that have accepted them.

Environment Canada's Involvement

The London Convention 1972 (Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from the Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter) was ratified by Canada in 1975 and is implemented in Canada through CEPA. A meeting of the Parties (Consultative Meeting) is held each fall in London, UK. A meeting of the Scientific Group occurs each spring, alternating between London and other countries.

Environment Canada is an advisor to Transport Canada on waste and chemical issues in the context of the Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and Shipping (MARPOL 73/78). Canada ratified mandatory Annexes in 1992. The MEPC meets about every eight or nine months in London, UK.