Context:

• India participated in the 134th session of the IMO Council held in London.

• The country reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime safety and promoting gender equality in the maritime sector.

India’s Key Interventions:

• Investigation into Maritime Accidents:

• • India highlighted recent maritime incidents near its coast:

    • MSC ELSA 3, a container ship carrying hazardous cargo, sank off Kochi (May 2025).

    • WAN HAI 503, caught fire and exploded off the Kerala coast (June 2025).

  • Called for IMO-led investigations into such incidents to identify gaps and improve safety.

  • Emphasised the need to revise global regulations under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.

  • Urged improvements in packaging, declaration, stowage, and real-time monitoring of dangerous cargo (especially lithium-ion batteries).

• Standardisation of Incident Response:

• • India proposed global standard operating procedures for emergency response to maritime accidents.

  • Suggested development of international best practices for container ship safety and handling of hazardous goods.

• Sagar Mein Samman Initiative:

• • India showcased the 2024 initiative led by the Directorate General of Shipping.

  • Focuses on creating a respectful, inclusive, and safe work environment in maritime sectors.

  • Promotes gender diversity by encouraging women’s participation in all maritime roles, including leadership.

  • Reported a remarkable 650% rise in Indian women seafarers since the program’s launch.

Relevant International and National Laws:

• MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships), 1973:

• • Adopted by the IMO to prevent marine pollution from ships due to operational or accidental causes.

  • India is a signatory and has implemented MARPOL standards domestically.

• Maritime Labour Convention, 2006:

• • Provides universal rights and protection to seafarers including fair treatment, working conditions, and gender equality.

  • Encourages safe working environments and equal opportunities onboard vessels.

• Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 (India):

• • Governs the shipping industry in India.

  • Allows the central government to issue notices if ships violate safety or environmental norms.

  • Non-compliance can lead to penal action by the government.

Challenges in Maritime Safety and Regulation:

• Frequent Maritime Accidents:

  • Rising number of incidents involving hazardous materials pose safety and environmental threats.

• Inadequate Monitoring and Tracking Systems:

  • Weak global infrastructure for real-time tracking and digital transparency in cargo handling.

• Gaps in Implementation of IMDG Code:

  • Inconsistent enforcement and training among developing nations.

• Undeclared or Misdeclared Cargo:

  • Major cause of explosions and environmental damage due to improper declaration of dangerous goods.

• Underrepresentation of Women in Maritime Sector:

  • Despite progress, gender imbalance remains a global issue in shipping and leadership roles.

• Lack of a Global Maritime Incident Response Body:

  • Absence of a coordinated international authority delays investigation and learning from accidents.

Way Forward:

• Call for reforms at the IMO to strengthen cargo safety and incident response standards.

• Suggest establishment of an independent global maritime incident investigation body.

• Advocate the use of advanced technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence for cargo tracking and verification.

• Promote capacity-building in developing countries to improve compliance with IMDG Code requirements.

• Encourage other countries to adopt women-centric initiatives like “Sagar Mein Samman” to improve gender balance in the maritime workforce.

About the IMO (International Maritime Organization):

• IMO is a specialized UN agency that regulates international shipping for safety, security, and environmental protection.

• Established in 1948 (Geneva), operational since 1958.

• Headquarters: London, UK

• Total Members: 176 Member States and 3 Associate Members

IMO Structure:

The IMO has five main bodies:

• Assembly

• Council (executive organ)

• Maritime Safety Committee (MSC)

• Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC)

• Legal, Technical, and Facilitation Committees

IMO Council:

1. It is the executive organ of the IMO and functions between sessions of the Assembly.

2. Composed of 40 Member States elected for a two-year term under three categories:

• Category A (10 Members): States with the largest interest in providing international shipping services.

  • Example: China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Panama, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, UK, USA

• Category B (10 Members): States with the largest interest in international seaborne trade.

  • Example: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, UAE

• Category C (20 Members): States not elected under A or B but with special interests in maritime transport or navigation, and whose election ensures geographical representation.

Key Functions of the Council:

• Coordinates the work of IMO committees

• Submits budget proposals and supervises financial arrangements

• Appoints the Secretary-General (with Assembly approval)

• Oversees the implementation of IMO policies and conventions

India’s Role in the IMO Council:

• India is elected under Category B and plays an active role in policymaking

• Focus areas: maritime safety, environmental protection, digitalization, and welfare of seafarers

• Promotes initiatives like “Sagar Mein Samman”, SAGAR vision, and Sagarmala project

• Advocates for reforms in cargo handling standards and gender inclusivity at IMO forums.