IMO Convention Explained

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Written by Capt Rajeev Jassal on January 25, 2016
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At IMO, Maritime resolutions are issued by the Assembly, The council
and by each of the committee.
ISPS Code: 9 Important and Must
Know Elements
Each committee brings resolutions to amend part of International (https://www.myseatime.com/blog/detail/what-
convention that they are associated with. is-isps-code-and-security-levels)
5 January 2017
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(SOLAS) and STCW convention.

SoCompanies
MSC brings(https://www.myseatime.com/profilecompanies)
resolutions to amend any part of theseconventions.Contact (https://www.myseatime.com/contactus)
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Similarly MEPCs resolutions amends MARPOL convention and & Chief engineer
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Each resolution of IMO looks something like this you...
XYZ.123(34) About CaptEnter

Rajeev
your name here...
Jassal
Where the initial letter(s) shows who has passed this resolution. Enter your email address here...
Capt. Rajeev Jassal has sailed for
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The letter can be A (for Assembly), C (for Council), MSC (For Maritime SendHe
product and chemical tankers. me lessons on shipping
fixing-the-most-important-element-of- to-install-encs-on-furuno-ecdis-step-by- to-make-correct-oil-record-book-entries)
safety committee), MEPC (for Maritime environment
passage-planning) pollution committee),
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FAL (Facilitation committee) orLEG (legal Committee). degree from London. He has done
How to make correct
extensive research on quantitatively
Position Fixing: The How to Install ENCs oil record book
measuring Safety culture onboard and
The next
Most number shows the resolution number and
Important onitFuruno
is in chronological
ECDIS- (Cargo)
safety entries
climate ashore which?he
order.
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believes is the most important
Planning (https://www.myseatime.com/blog/detail/how-
to-make-correct-oil-
element for safer shipping.
The number in the bracket shows the sessions in which this resolution
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to-install-encs-on- record-book-entries)
was adopted. So the resolution MSC.374(93) refers to the MSC
fixing-the-most- furuno-ecdis-step-by- 18 April, 2017
resolution number 374 which was adopted in the 93rd session of the 2 comments
important-element-of- step-guide)
MSC.
passage-planning) 24 April, 2017
4 comments
6 May, 2017
7 comments
(https://myseatime.com/blogadm/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/MSC-
Resolution-highlighting-the-resolution-number.png)
Why to amend a convention
The only permanent thing in this world is Change. And the way we move
our cargoes through sea andthe way ships are operating at sea is
changing every single day.
A convention passed 30 years back may have many elements which are
not applicable today. Same way, We might discover new strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats, which were not the part of
original convention.
that, we could either bring a security convention or amend an existing

convention to include security.
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Drafting, ratification, approving, acceptanceand implementing a new & Chief engineer
convention is a tedious and time consuming process. LOGIN

So unless the new identified threats are too unique to be included in the you...
existing conventions, it is always better to amemd the existing
convention. Enter your name here...
Take another example of Convention of pollution prevention at sea Enter your email address here...
(MARPOL). Pollution was totally different from safety and so instead of

including MARPOL in SOLAS convention, we got new convention called
MARPOL. We promise to not use your email for spam!
Also take an example of Ballast water convention. The topic of ballast

water was much debatable. The debate was onits inclusion in the
MARPOL as another annex or as a stand alone convention.
Even though ballast water was considered to be a kind of pollution but at

the end it was agreed that the ballast water is aunique area from other
pollutions and hence instead of including it in MARPOL, a new
convention was adopted.
See the results, ballast water convention was adopted in 2004 and as of
1st Jan 2016, ballast water convention is still not ratified.
How resolutions are proposed, adopted and

passed
For a resolution to come into effect, there are 5 mainsteps
1. A contracting government need to propose aresolution.
2. IMO or its respective committee need to review the resolution

proposal
3. Resolution need to be adopted in the IMO and finally
4. Resolution need to be accepted by the contracting governments
5. After a fixed time from acceptance, a resolution enters into force.
Proposal of the resolution

There are two ways an amendment to a maritime convention can be
proposed to the IMO.
1. By any contracting government
2. By a group of contracting governments.

SG would pass the proposal to the MSC or MEPC for review. MSC or
MEPC in consultation
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In the second option, A contracting government proposes the
amendment for which they haveconcurrence of atleast one-third of the you...
contracting governments.
The concurrence by the other governments can be given to the
appropriate committee. In this case, the committee arranges for a Enter your email address here...
conference of the contracting governments to consider the amendments.

The advantage of the second option is that it is the faster way of We promise to not use your email for spam!
proposing and adopting an amendment to the convention.
Adoption of a resolution
Resolutions are adopted by voting in Maritime safety committeeor
Maritime Environment Protection Committee. There are 2 conditions for a
resolution to be adopted
1. Atleast one-third of the contracting governments should be present

for voting. On this date, there are 174 countries that are members to
the IMO. So for a resolution to be adopted, at least 58 countries
should be present.
2. Atleast two-third of the contracting governments present, should

vote in favor of resolution.So if 60 countries were present, at least
40 countries should vote in favor of the resolution.
If the proposal to the amendment was made through the conference,
1) the first conditionwould be metconsidering there would be high

chances of the one-third of the governments present for voting.
2) The second condition should also be met as all of the one-third

governments had given the concurrence tothe amendment.
This is the reason, the proposal by the conference would be adopted

faster.
Acceptance of the resolution

A resolution once adopted, it is passed to all contracting governments
for acceptance. The Secretary general communicates the adopted
resolution to all contracting governments.
The process of acceptance of a resolution was a tedious one but IMO

did a great job in amending the process itself.
numbers on their side to implement a resolution.

This was due tomany
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And the governments had their reasons to be in that situations. Most of
the times the governments were not sure if you...
1. the amendment brought by the resolution are in best interest oftheir Enter your name here...
country.
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2. If they can effectively implement the resolution
3. if they have resources to implement the amendments and so on We promise to not use your email for spam!
Whatever the reasons, but the acceptance of resolutions used to take a

lot of time.
IMO then introduced the tacit way of acceptance of a resolution. Even

though not all the resolutions are accepted with tacit acceptance
procedures but most of them are.
For example Marpol convention as per article 16 f(ii) gives authority to

MEPC to decide if the amendment will be accepted by tacit acceptance
or explicit acceptance.
The acceptance of a resolution to amend SOLAS convention is only

done by tacit acceptance.
Tacit Acceptance of aresolution

In simple terms tacit acceptance means accepted unless objected. It
is opposite of earlier process of rejected unless accepted.
Under tacit acceptance, a resolution is accepted on an agreed time

interval from adoptionunless it is objected by a number of contracting
governments.
The committee decides the agreed interval during adoption of resolution.

However there is minimum interval that is set in respective conventions.
For example as per Marpol convention, the minimum interval between

adoption and acceptance has to be 10 months. Same way, as per SOLAS
the minimum interval should notbe less than one year.
SOLAS convention has also specified maximum interval between

adoption and acceptance as 2 years.
How many number of government need to object for a resolution not to

be accepted is also mentioned in respective conventions. These are
usually
2. contracting governments that constitutesnot less than 50% of the

world gross tonnage
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(tacit) that government has accepted the resolution. We are still learning and so w
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Entry in force of a resolution
Once a resolution is accepted by tacit means or otherwise, it then enter

into force. But there is a time specified in respective conventions on Enter your email address here...
when the accepted resolution would enter into force.

For example as per SOLAS and MARPOLconvention, a resolution would We promise to not use your email for spam!
enter into force 6 months after it has been accepted.
2. Convention
Now that we know how a resolution amends a maritime convention, Its

time to take a dive into the what conventions actually are.
What is a convention
There are many different ways to define a convention. A convention is a
formal agreement between states.
Or a convention is an instrumentwhich is negotiated under an

international organisation such as United Nations.
There are number of conventions

(https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/Default.aspx)that
IMO has given to maritime industry.To Name a few, these are
International convention on safety of life at sea.
International convention on prevention of marine pollution
FAL convention
Loadline convention
Salvage convention
(https://www.myseatime.com/blog/detail/simplifying-scopic-clause-and-
salvage-convention)
Convention is not a law

It is important to highlight that convention is not a law in itself. A
convention becomes a law when it is implemented in a countrys own
legal system.
Singapore and India have included it as legislation called Merchant

Shipping act. USA call it CFR.
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For a convention to come in force, itneed to be adopted at IMO, ratified
by the contracting governments and brought into force. you...

Proposal & Adoption of a convention
Typically an event,incident or a research study can triggera need for a
new convention. Incident of Titanic triggered a need of SOLAS
convention. Send me lessons on shipping

Incident of Torrey Canyon triggered a need of MARPOL convention.
And lately various research studies triggered the need of ballast
convention.
Discussions on these incidents and research studies in shipping and

other related industries is part of sessions of IMO committees and sub-
committees.
Once IMO identifies a need for a new convention, the respective

committee assisted by various sub-committees work on adopting the
convention.
Ratification of the convention

Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval and accession are different
ways in which a state (read country) can give their consent to be bound
by the convention.
All these ways concerns the legality of procedure so we will not dig
deep into it.
But the idea is that the states need to be ready for the new convention
and they should give their consent for that by one of these ways. When
a convention is adopted, it is usually agreed on how many states need to
ratify the convention for it to come in force.
For example, the Ballast water convention requires at least 30 states to

ratify which should represent at least 35% of the world gross tonnage.
Ballast water convention is just close to retification.On this date even

though forty-seven countries have ratified the convention, their
combined gross tonnage only represent the 34.56% of the world
tonnage.
3. Circulars
There number of circulars issued at IMO by different committees and

sub-committes. And these circulars divided into more than50 subjects.
important or rather the one that seafarers are more associated with are
MSC and MEPC circulars.
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These are the circulars issued by MSC and MEPC respectevely. The & Chief engineer
former being circulars related to safety matter and latter related to LOGIN
pollution.
you...
What does Circulars are for
We all know what company circulars that we get onboard are for. It gives
information / clarification on various subjects related to companys SMS Enter your email address here...
manual.
It may also givelatest incident summary. In short it is running log of
important communication from ship to shore.
IMO circulars serves similar purpose. Among other thing, the circular are
used for clarification, interpretation or guidance on its various codes and
conventions.
We can now looks into how MSC and MEPC circulars look like.
MSC Circulars
As obvious, MSC circulars are related to the maritime safety. The MSC
has divided its circulars in six sub-categories and are numbered from
one to six. Any MSC circular number would look like this
(https://myseatime.com/blogadm/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/MSC-
circular-number.png)
In this MSC ofcourse denotes that it is circular issued by Maritime safety

committe of IMO.
The number 1 denotes the sub-category of the circular. Circ. tells us that
it is a circular and the number in the last is the circular number which is
numbered in chronological order.
The six sub categories that MSC circulars are divided into are

MSC.2 : Circulars related to MSC- Implementation of codes and
recommendations adopted by the assembly
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MSC.3 : Circulars on Illegal immigrants LOGIN

MSC.4 : Circulars on piracy matters you...
MSC.5 : Circulars related to resolution 950(23) which is Maritime Enter your name here...
assisstance services
MSC.6 : Other circulars related to safety


MEPC Circular
Again as obvious, MEPC circulars are related to information on matters

concerning maritime pollution. MEPC circulars are divided into seven
sub-categories. These categories are numbered from one to seven. Any
circular issued by MEPC would look like this
(https://myseatime.com/blogadm/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/MEPC-
circular-number.png)
In this MEPC denotes that the circular is issued by Maritime

environmenta protection committee.
The number next is the number of sub-category that the circular belongs
to. The letters Circ detones that it is a circular and finally the number is
the circular number which is in chronological order.
The seven Sub-categories that MEPC circulars are divided into are
MEPC.1 : Circular relating to general information disseminated by the

MEPC on pollution matters
MEPC.2 : Circular relating to Provisional categorization of liquid

substances
MEPC.3 : Circular relating to Facilities in ports for the reception of oily

wastes from ships
chemicals in bulk
MEPC.5 : Circular relating to Pollution prevention equipment required

by MARPOL
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MEPC.6 : Circular relating to List of national operational contact point
or points responsible for the receipt, transmission and processing of
urgent reports on incidents involving harmful substances including oil
you...
from ships to coastal states
MEPC.7 : Circular relating to Maritime Environment Protection Enter your email address here...
Committee on pollution matters

We have only discussed the MSC and MEPC circulars. But there are
more than 50 categories in which IMO circular are divided.
Each category has again different sub-categories like we have for MSC
and MEPC circulars.
Conclusion
Finally to conclude in short, IMO conventions are set of rules which when
adopted by a countrys legal system, becomes law for that country.
There is a growing need to amend these conventions to keep pace with

the fast moving world and technology. The conventions are amended by
the IMO resolutions which are passed by the committees.
The committees also communicates the interpretation, guidance and

clarifications for the conventions by the various time to time circulars.
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53 Comments
sandip Apr 26, 2016
Can u throw more light on how circulars are issued by MEPC and is there
any standard document which describes procedure and pre requisites for
issuing a circular.
Reply
Rajeev Jassal Apr 26, 2016
all flag states as well other stakeholders such as classification

societies so that they can communicate same to the ships as well
as other stakeholder in their Jurisdiction. These information are
relayed through MEPC circulars. Which information requires to be
communicated is discussed in the meetings of MEPC members at & Chief engineer
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MEPC internal documents/guidelines and I dont think that will be
publicly available. We are still learning and so w
you...
Reply

Nick Sep 1, 2016
Can you please tell that Who decide that 30 or 40 or 50 state Enter your email address here...
should ratify or this much % of world tonnage to ratify the
convention , for the convention to enter in force? For a particular
convention how this figures are decided and who decide this?
Awaiting reply eagerly....Thanx We promise to not use your email for spam!
Reply
Harprit Singh May 12, 2016
Thanks explaining basics like numbering system of circulars of Imo.

Reply
Rajeev Jassal May 13, 2016
Glad you liked it Harprit. Let me know if you have any question
regarding any topic.
Reply
Nikhil Bhatt Jun 2, 2016
Thanks a lot for explaining all the topics that you have covered
so far in your highly informative blog. Could you please also
cover topics on practical sight calculation as these are not very
well thought in the classrooms nor at sea we much carry out
calculation due to hectic schedule of ships and ever growing
traffic but this remains an important question for exams and
practical use too.... thanks
Reply
Rajeev Jassal Jun 2, 2016
Happy that you found it informative Nikhil. Thanks for suggesting

a topic and I will surely work on that.
Reply
Nick Sep 1, 2016
Can you please tell that Who decide that 30 or 40 or 50 state

Awaiting reply eagerly....Thanx
Reply
Pravin Jun 30, 2016
Good notes and really appreciate also please put some light on marine
insurance if you have time thanks and keep up the good work
Reply
Jun 30, 2016

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Reply
Ali Jul 23, 2016

I want to appreciate for your efficient essay and kindly ask to explain about
the CODE's proposal procedure. We promise to not use your email for spam!
Reply
Rajeev Jassal Jul 24, 2016
Thank you Ali for your kind words. Process of proposal of a Code
is similar to the proposal of a convention. As I said in this article
that a proposal can be initiated after a need is felt by IMO or its
member states. A need for a code may arise after an major
incident or after an major research. For example POLAR code
was proposed because there was a need felt for it. This was
because of increasing shipping traffic in POLAR region which
was the result of melting ice that opened the route for shipping
in this area.
Reply
ALI Jul 27, 2016
Thanks for your kind reply.
Reply
Thanks Ali..
Reply
ziaudeen Aug 1, 2016
Thanks for the nice explanation. Can you please explain the legal difference
between ratification,signature,acession,approval. As these are always
confusing.
Reply
Rajeev Jassal Aug 2, 2016
I am a country representative and I am presented few

resolutions. I sign a proposed resolution. By signing I am only
agreeing to discuss it with at my home country in the parliament.
I am not legally bound by that signature. I go to my home
country and discuss this in parliament and parliament accepts
this to be included in the local laws. I have ratified the
convention. Once the required number of states ratifies the
convention, it comes in force. Once the convention is in force,
another state (country) decides to be part of the convention and
they discuss it in their parliament and agrees to make it a
domestic law in their country. Since this convention is already
ratified, the process will not be called ratification but it is called
already ratified.
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Thanks for the clear reply. Can you please explain about M.S Act,
M.S. Rule, M.S.Notice, M.S.Circular. We are still learning and so w
Reply you...

Yes sure Ziaudeen. I will write on these topics in near future..

Reply

Yingdi Gou Aug 2, 2016
Thanks a lot for the comprehensive interpretation. Could you further explain
when a resolution need be made by the assembly but not the MSC/MEPC.
And how ofen the assembly conference is held?
Reply
Assembly's resolutions are mainly administrative in nature. But

Assembly also brings resolutions related to safety and security.
All IMO committees has set guidelines (guidelines documents are
not available for viewing by public) and if some proposed
resolution is out of those guidelines, assembly's node is required
to pass that MSC/MEPC resolution. Assembly conference (called
session) is held every 2 years. Last was 28th Session held in
2014.
Reply
Yingdi Gou Aug 5, 2016
I just read below article. What is the "sub-committee", what

relationship btw it and MSC/MEPC? "Update from the 3rd session
of the IMO Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO
Instruments (III 3) Published: 2016-08-02 The Sub-Committee met
in London from 18 to 22 July 2016. ....."
Reply
sub-Committees help committees to carry out their functions.

MSC is a committee that looks after safety matters but safety is a
large topic so each specialised committee help MSC with their
work. For example Sub-committee on ship system and
equipments helps both MSC and MEPC with providing detailed
information on ship's equipment present or proposed for
implementing their work. Same way, Sub-committee on
navigation help MSC deal with navigation related issues.
Reply
Basavaraju Aug 6, 2016
very well explained with practical approach. My question is for appearing for
class 1 exams is it necessary to refer or research so much in depth of all
these topics.
Reply
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Shreekant Sharma Aug 6, 2016
& Chief engineer
WHat is the meaning of letter "E" on the right hand side corner of the
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circular ??
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you...
I never thought about that Shreekant. Let me see if I can find that
information for you..
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Nick Sep 1, 2016
Can you please tell that Who decide that 30 or 40 or 50 state
Awaiting reply eagerly....Thanx
Reply
Rajeev Jassal Sep 7, 2016
Hi Nick..It is decided when the protocol for the convention is

drafted. The member states of the committee discuss all aspects
of the draft convention including the criteria for the ratification /
in-force process. The idea of identifying a number for the states
and tonnage to ratify a convention for it to enter into force is to
have a majority in every sense. If the convention is to enter into
force by tacit acceptance, the required tonnage will be more (say
more than 50%) and if the convention is to enter into force with
actual consent of the states, the required tonnage is set at a
lower percentage (like 35% in Ballast water convention).
Reply
Rahul Sep 4, 2016
Sir, I am confused with the definition of Protocol. Could you please explain
what a protocol is?
Reply
Rajeev Jassal Sep 7, 2016
Protocol are the set of rules of conduct. These are the rules as to
how each party is supposed to behave with respect to a
convention. For example, protocol to SOLAS convention are the
rules for all the parties detailing general obligation, how the
amendments will be brought etc
Reply
James Victory Sep 17, 2016
sir, can you please illuminate me on the definition of the following terms--
treaty, protocols, codes and memoradum of understanding relating to IMO.
Reply
Rajeev Jassal Jan 28, 2017
Yes James, I am currently writing a blog on that and you will find
it soon..
Sadat Jan 20, 2017

Sir, can u tell me a chemical tanker requied Clc insurance and if a big
pollution occured, is it coverable by clc or need LOF
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No..A chemical tanker do not require CLC insurance as CLC is you...
only for oil pollutions. But considering most of the chemical
tankers are also designated to carry oil, you will find these ships
to have CLC certificate. For chemical pollutions, HNS convention
has been adopted by IMO but not yet ratified.
Reply

Nikola Jan 28, 2017
Sir, can you help me with understanding of meaning of circular. If the certain
circular is adopted by the IMO committee is this circular automatically
binding in the county, party of the convention with this circular is associated
with. On the other hand, if certain circular is adopted in national legislation /
rules regulating this matter, should we apply rule directly from circular or
from the national rule which included requirements from circulat? Thank you!
Reply
Circulars only clarifies rules. Circulars are released when IMO

committees feels the need for better interpretation of any
regulation. Circulars are not rules or regulation in itself. So
Circulars do not need to be adopted or ratified.
Reply
Shivkumar Patil Feb 9, 2017
Very nicely explained such useful topic. THANK YOU RAJIV SIR
Reply
Rajeev Jassal Feb 10, 2017
Glad you found it useful Shivkumar..
Reply
Devendra Nemade Feb 12, 2017
Excellent explanation , Keep it up sir ..

Reply
Rajeev Jassal Feb 13, 2017
Thank you Devendra..

Reply
Peyman Mar 6, 2017
Excellent explanation. Appreciated if you clarify the following; A.1021(26)

adopted on 2 December 2009. It is not mandatory for all ships, isnt it?
Because acceptance still is pending In other word, it is mandatory only for
the governments who gave positive vote for the resolution. Please clarify,
Thanks!
Reply
Mar 28, 2017

adopted and not ratified yet, it is not mandatory to anyone. Once

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even those countries who
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Tariq Mar 20, 2017 We are still learning and so w

Very informative and clearly defined stuff. Sir Capt Rajeev if you dont mind you...
plz mail me your whatsapp number, i would like to ask some more qurries
related to shipping, not this topic. Thank Enter your name here...
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Rajeev Jassal Mar 28, 2017

You can send the queries on the email however I would
recommend to use our SEAQA section so that other mariners We promise to not use your email for spam!
can also benefit from your questions..
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krishna Mar 24, 2017
thats a brilliant article sir, can you please throw some light upon how the
resolutions of london convention and london protocol are passed. it would
be of a great help
Reply
Rajeev Jassal Mar 28, 2017
The process of Ratification of london convention is same as with

any other convention...
Reply
Manmohan Apr 10, 2017
Sir,Is the proposal,adoption,acceptance of resolution is same as for

convention. pls explain procedure for convention to come in force.
Reply
The procedure for proposal, adoption and acceptance of a

resolution and that of a convention have many similarities. The
difference is that while resolution can be accepted by "Tacit
Acceptance" method, acceptance of a new convention is only
after certain percentage of tonnage and certain number of flag
states have ratified the convention by submitting the acceptance
document to the IMO.
Reply
Mayur More Apr 25, 2017
Sir thanks for making us understand the concept of convention and how to
amend a convention. My doubt is , other than the two methods mentioned n
the article about how to amend a convention, is there any other way to
amend , is Protocol a way to amend a convention .I would appreciate if you
could clear my doubt.
Reply
of ratification of a convention. A flag state may be party to the

convention at the same time they may not ratify the protocol.
Reply Contact (https://www.myseatime.com/contactus)
& Chief engineer
captain safey eldin salah May 10, 2017 LOGIN
Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) NOT MEPC (for Maritime We are still learning and so w
environment pollution committee). and by the way very important article nice you...
work.
Reply Enter your name here...
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Understanding IMO Conventions and resolutions - MySeaTime Page 1 of 17

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5 Confusing Terms of Ship

The Ultimate actionable guide of

So many that we may get confused sometimes as towhat purpose each

(SOLAS) and STCW convention.

We are still learning and so w

XYZ.123(34) About CaptEnter

(https://www.myseatime.com/blog/detail/position- (https://www.myseatime.com/blog/detail/how- over 18 years mainly on crude oil,

Why to amend a convention

that, we could either bring a security convention or amend an existing

We are still learning and so w

(MARPOL). Pollution was totally different from safety and so instead of

Also take an example of Ballast water convention. The topic of ballast

Even though ballast water was considered to be a kind of pollution but at

How resolutions are proposed, adopted and

For a resolution to come into effect, there are 5 mainsteps

1. A contracting government need to propose aresolution.

2. IMO or its respective committee need to review the resolution

3. Resolution need to be adopted in the IMO and finally

4. Resolution need to be accepted by the contracting governments

5. After a fixed time from acceptance, a resolution enters into force.

Proposal of the resolution

1. By any contracting government

2. By a group of contracting governments.

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conference of the contracting governments to consider the amendments.

proposing and adopting an amendment to the convention.

1. Atleast one-third of the contracting governments should be present

2. Atleast two-third of the contracting governments present, should

If the proposal to the amendment was made through the conference,

1) the first conditionwould be metconsidering there would be high

2) The second condition should also be met as all of the one-third

This is the reason, the proposal by the conference would be adopted

Acceptance of the resolution

The process of acceptance of a resolution was a tedious one but IMO

numbers on their side to implement a resolution.

Whatever the reasons, but the acceptance of resolutions used to take a

IMO then introduced the tacit way of acceptance of a resolution. Even

For example Marpol convention as per article 16 f(ii) gives authority to

The acceptance of a resolution to amend SOLAS convention is only

Tacit Acceptance of aresolution

Under tacit acceptance, a resolution is accepted on an agreed time

The committee decides the agreed interval during adoption of resolution.

For example as per Marpol convention, the minimum interval between

SOLAS convention has also specified maximum interval between

How many number of government need to object for a resolution not to

2. contracting governments that constitutesnot less than 50% of the

Once a resolution is accepted by tacit means or otherwise, it then enter

when the accepted resolution would enter into force.

enter into force 6 months after it has been accepted.

Now that we know how a resolution amends a maritime convention, Its

Or a convention is an instrumentwhich is negotiated under an

There are number of conventions

International convention on safety of life at sea.

International convention on prevention of marine pollution

Convention is not a law

Singapore and India have included it as legislation called Merchant

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Discussions on these incidents and research studies in shipping and

Once IMO identifies a need for a new convention, the respective