IMO – International Maritime Organization
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations specialized agency for international shipping. The organization develops global rules and standards for safety at sea, efficient ship operations, and protection of the marine environment.
The IMO is responsible for a number of key maritime conventions and regulations used by shipping companies, seafarers, maritime educational institutions, and authorities worldwide. On this page, you will find a selection of official IMO publications containing current regulations and guidelines for international shipping.
Search and Rescue (SAR)
GMDSS and maritime communication
Medicine at sea
IMO conventions and regulations
-
SOLAS Consolidated Edition (2024) – IMO Safety Convention – IMO IH110E
260,55 € Add to cart -
MARPOL Consolidated Edition (2022) – IMO Convention – IMO IF520E
204,52 € Add to cart -
ISM Code with Guidelines, 2018 Edition – IMO ID117E
46,23 € Add to cart -
ISPS Code – Guide to Maritime Security (2021 Edition) – IMO IB116E
139,15 € Add to cart -
Life-Saving Appliances (LSA Code), 2023 Edition – IMO IE520E
83,58 € Add to cart -
STCW-F Convention and Code, 2025 Edition – IMO IK858E
55,57 € Add to cart -
Procedures for Port State Control 2023 (2024 Edition) – IMO IF650E
64,90 € Add to cart
Maritime signal publications
Navigation and bridge procedures
What is the International Maritime Organization (IMO)?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a global organization under the UN that works to regulate international shipping. The organization develops common regulations to ensure safer maritime transport, efficient ship operations, and reduced impact on the marine environment.
The IMO was established in 1948 and currently has over 170 member states. Through international conventions, codes, and recommendations, the organization contributes to creating a common framework for the world’s merchant fleet.
The IMO’s most important maritime conventions
The IMO is responsible for several of the most important international regulations for shipping. These conventions are the foundation for safety and environmental protection in the global maritime industry.
SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea
SOLAS is the most central convention for safety at sea. It establishes requirements for, among other things, ship safety, navigation equipment, fire protection, and emergency procedures.
MARPOL – Prevention of Pollution from Ships
The MARPOL convention aims to reduce pollution from ships. The regulations govern, among other things, the discharge of oil, chemicals, waste, sewage, and air pollution from maritime operations.
STCW – Training and Certification of Seafarers
The STCW convention establishes international standards for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers.
The IMO and the future of shipping
Today, the IMO works actively with measures for more sustainable shipping. The organization develops international strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the energy efficiency of ships, and facilitate new fuels and technologies in the maritime sector.