The seas play a crucial role in the global ecosystem, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is at the forefront of efforts to safeguard maritime environments. Through its regulatory frameworks, the IMO enhances maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.

Q.20 Sea is an important component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting the environment and enhancing maritime safety and security.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The IMO, a specialised agency of theUnited Nations, bears the responsibility of ensuring safety, security, and efficiency of international shipping while preserving marine environment. 

Body

Role of IMO in protecting environment 

• Marpol Convention: regulates the prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.

• Ballast Water Management Convention-  sets standards for the management and treatment of ballast water to minimise harmful impact on marine flora and fauna. 

• The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships provides a global framework for ship recycling, ensuring that it is carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
• Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)-  aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.
• IMO Polar Code for ships operating in both Antarctic and Arctic waters.

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Role of IMO in enhancing safety and security

• SOLAS Convention-  sets minimum standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships.
• ISM Code:  requires ships to have a safety management system in place. This ensures that companies and their ships have procedures in place for safe operation.
• International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code  requires ships and port facilities to assess their security risks and implement measures to mitigate them.
• Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS):  a worldwide satellite-based system for ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship communication in distress and safety situations.

Conclusion

The sea is more than just a vast body of water; it is a complex ecosystem, a global trade engine, and a climate regulator. Protecting it is not merely an environmental imperative but an economic necessity. As the IMO continues its work, it is essential to recognize that the health of the sea is inextricably linked to human prosperity. 

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