Legislative Activity of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for navigation and prevention of both nautical and atmospheric pollution caused by ships. In addition to that and since it is a specialized agency responsible for the safety of navigation, it is responsible for the application of environmental standards in international navigation. The highest importance of creation of a legislative framework for navigational nautical activity is based on its universal acceptance, implementation and the effective and fair application. It is also necessary to emphasize that the application of these standards has to be fully effective regardless of financial constraints, hence in every part of the international community. The attitude of the kind makes both innovation and efficiency possible. According to a widespread opinion, the development of the IMO legislation has been especially strengthened after the adoption of the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. The Convention actually reflects a strong and universally valid attempt to get an exhaustive and comprehensive legal regime for the oceans and seas established. The Convention has been colloquially known as the Sea Constitution. It has emerged as a result of detailed perennial negotiations. It used to comprise numerous compromises that relieved many substantial divergences between countries.