IMO

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations specialised agency responsible for the safety and security of international shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. Founded in 1948, headquartered in London, with 175+ member states.

IMO's major instruments include: SOLAS (safety), MARPOL (pollution), STCW (crew training), MLC 2006 (labour, via ILO), BWM (ballast water management), the ISM Code and ISPS Code. IMO also sets the technical standards on ship design (EEDI/EEXI) and operational efficiency (CII).