September 17, 2014
Next September 25 is without a doubt a day of marked maritime cargo, since, in addition to the entry into force of the Law of Navigation, also is celebrated World Maritime Day, under the motto “IMO Agreements: effective implementation” . This is a celebration that has been developing since 2005, with the aim of highlighting the challenges and the importance of maritime issues in the world economy and which, this year, aims to promote the implementation of the numerous IMO agreements that, After several years in process, they have not yet achieved an effective application.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) develops an invaluable effort to make maritime transport the safest, most efficient and environmentally friendly means, and this is possible, in large part, through its Agreements. However, it is a fact that many of them are in an advanced phase, but they still do not have an effective implementation: they have not come into force for lack of signatory countries, or, despite being in force, they need one more Effective application by governments and shipowners.
The most important IMO conventions could be classified in:
1. International agreements that represent the fundamental pillars that support the international regulatory framework that regulates the activity of maritime transport, together with the Maritime Labor Convention (CTM 2006) of the International Labor Organization (ILO):
- SOLAS 74).
- International Convention to Prevent Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78).
- International Convention on Standards of Training, Qualification and Seafarers for Seafarers (STCW 95).
2. Others International conventions in force:
- Agreement on the international regulations for preventing boardings, ( COLREG 72 ).
- International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue ( SAR 1979 ).
- Agreement to facilitate international maritime traffic ( FAL 65 ).
- Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 1988 ( SUA ).
3. International agreements that have not yet entered into force:
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- Hong Kong International Convention for the Safety and Environmentally Sound Management of Ship Recycling, 2009 ( Recycling ship).
- Nairobi International Convention on Removal of Wreck Removal, 2007 (Removal Wrecks).
- International Agreement for the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Sediment of Ships, 2004 (BWM).
- Torremolinos Protocol of 1993 regarding the Torremolinos international agreement for the safety of fishing vessels, 1977 (Torremolinos).
The events of the World Maritime Day will be held this year in Morocco (Tangier) from October 27 to 29, 2014 </ b> </ strong>. It is an annual event organized on the occasion of the World Maritime Day, through conferences and workshops that are articulated this year around the aforementioned theme, “IMO Agreements: Effective Implementation.” The main topics to be addressed in the celebration of the Tánger World Maritime Day are: • The Missions of the International Maritime Organization
• The main groups of IMO agreements
• The effective implementation of the IMO Conventions
• The economic promotion of the maritime sectors & harbors
• Investment and partnership opportunities
• The international development of transport and maritime services
