The International Maritime Organization (IMO) - Purposes

The purposes of the IMO, as set forth in the convention, are the following:

1. to facilitate cooperation among governments on technical matters of all kinds affecting shipping engaged in international trade;
2. to encourage the general adoption of the highest practicable standards in matters concerning maritime safety, efficiency of navigation, and the prevention and control of marine pollution;
3. to encourage the removal of discriminatory action and unnecessary restrictions by governments engaged in international trade, so as to promote the availability of shipping services to world commerce without discrimination;
4. to consider matters concerning unfair restrictive practices by shipping concerns; and
5. to consider any matters concerning shipping that may be referred to the IMO by any UN organ or specialized agency.