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62-687: The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 , also known as Collision Regulations ( COLREGs ), are published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and set out, among other things, the "rules of the road" or navigation rules to be followed by ships and other vessels at sea to prevent collisions between two or more vessels. COLREGs can also refer to the specific political line that divides inland waterways , which are subject to their own navigation rules, and coastal waterways which are subject to international navigation rules. They are derived from

124-632: A multilateral treaty called the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea , also known as Collision Regulations of 1960. Although rules for navigating vessels inland may differ, the international rules specify that they should be as closely in line with the international rules as possible. In most of continental Europe , the Code Européen des Voies de la Navigation Intérieure (CEVNI, or

186-687: A Secretary-General. The current Secretary-General is Arsenio Dominguez who took office for a four year term on 1 January 2024, having been elected in July 2023. The previous Secretary-General was Kitack Lim from South Korea elected for a four-year term at the 114th session of the IMO Council in June 2015 and at the 29th session of the IMO's Assembly in November 2015. His mandate started on 1 January 2016. At

248-604: A large purpose-built building facing the River Thames on the Albert Embankment , in Lambeth , London. The organisation moved into its new headquarters in late 1982, with the building being officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 17 May 1983. The architects of the building were Douglass Marriott, Worby & Robinson. The front of the building is dominated by a seven-metre high, ten-tonne bronze sculpture of

310-663: A member of the IMO, a state ratifies a multilateral treaty known as the Convention on the International Maritime Organization. As of 2024, there are 176 member states of the IMO, which includes 175 of the UN member states plus the Cook Islands . The first state to ratify the convention was Canada in 1948. These are the current members with the year they joined: The three associate members of

372-439: A requirement for all vessels to proceed at a safe speed with reference to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. Relevant circumstances include, for example, the state of visibility, the presence of other ships (traffic), as well as the draught and manoeuvrability of the mariner's own ship. This rule states that the rules in this section apply to all vessels in any condition of visibility. Rule 5 – Look-out. This rule concerns

434-409: A resolution targeting "dark fleet" tankers that form a risk by undertaking illegal and unsafe activities at sea. Primarily working for Iran and Russia to breach international sanctions, the tankers, many of which are elderly and unreliable, often undertake mid ocean transfers in an attempt to evade sanctions. The resolution calls upon flag states to “adhere to measures which lawfully prohibit or regulate”

496-528: A safe distance with other vessels. It requires alterations to be consistent with the concept of good seamanship , as well as be sufficient to be observed by the other vessel, ie, a large and bold angle of course alteration. The rule is designed to work in operation with other rules, including Rules 16 and 17. Rule 9 – Narrow Channels. This rule concerns those vessels keeping a course within narrow channels and fairways. It requires vessels less than 20 metres in length, fishing vessels and sailing vessels to not impede

558-437: A weather vane is pointed by prevailing winds indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing. The larger opening of a windsock faces the direction that the wind is blowing from; its tail, with the smaller opening, points in the same direction as the wind is blowing. Modern instruments used to measure wind speed and direction are called anemoscopes , anemometers and wind vanes . These types of instruments are used by

620-589: Is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating maritime transport . The IMO was established following agreement at a UN conference held in Geneva in 1948 and the IMO came into existence ten years later, meeting for the first time on 17 March 1958. Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, the IMO, in 2024, has 176 Member States and three Associate Members. The IMO's primary purpose

682-603: Is also a non-member. Taiwan is neither a member of the IMO nor of the UN, although it has a major shipping industry. IMO is the source of approximately 60 legal instruments that guide the regulatory development of its member states to improve safety at sea, facilitate trade among seafaring states and protect the maritime environment. The most well known is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), as well as International Convention for

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744-440: Is caused by an increased rate of evaporation of the moisture on the finger due to the air flow across the finger, and consequently the "finger technique" of measuring wind direction does not work well in either very humid or very hot conditions. The same principle is used to measure the dew point using a sling psychrometer (a more accurate instrument than the human finger). Another primitive technique for measuring wind direction

806-422: Is conducted through five committees and these are supported by technical subcommittees. Other UN organisations may observe the proceedings of the IMO. Observer status is granted to qualified non-governmental organisations. IMO is supported by a permanent secretariat of employees who are representative of the organisation's members. The secretariat is composed of a Secretary-General who is periodically elected by

868-419: Is exposed to the wind to determine the dynamic pressure, which is then used to compute the wind speed. In situations where modern instruments are not available, an index finger can be used to test the direction of wind. This is accomplished by wetting the finger and pointing it upwards. The side of the finger that feels "cool" is (approximately) the direction from which the wind is blowing. The "cool" sensation

930-558: Is one of few industrial areas that still commonly uses non- metric units such as the nautical mile (nmi) for distance and knots (kn) for speed or velocity. In 1982, IMCO was renamed as the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Throughout its existence, the IMO has continued to produce new and updated conventions across a wide range of maritime issues covering not only safety of life and marine pollution but also encompassing safe navigation, search and rescue, wreck removal, tonnage measurement, liability and compensation, ship recycling,

992-404: Is referred to as passing 'port to port' as the port sides separate away from each other as vessels alter. The rule effectively assigns equal responsibility to vessels to prevent collision. Rule 15 – Crossing Situation. This rule concerns actions for vessels in crossing situations and essentially requires a vessel that has another vessel on their starboard (right hand) side to stay out of the way of

1054-429: Is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit today includes maritime safety , environmental concerns, legal matters , technical co-operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping. IMO is governed by an assembly of members which meets every two years. Its finance and organization is administered by a council of 40 members elected from the assembly. The work of IMO

1116-693: The Titanic disaster. Under the name of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO), IMO's first task was to update the SOLAS convention; the resulting 1960 convention was subsequently recast and updated in 1974 and it is that convention that has been subsequently modified and updated to adapt to changes in safety requirements and technology. Since 1978, every last Thursday of September has been celebrated as World Maritime Day, commemorating

1178-545: The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG). The IMO has also enacted a Port state control (PSC) authority, allowing domestic maritime authorities such as coast guards to inspect foreign-flag ships calling at ports of the many port states. Memoranda of Understanding (protocols) were signed by some countries unifying Port State Control procedures among the signatories. Conventions, Codes and Regulations: Recent initiatives at

1240-535: The "appropriate international body to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships engaged in international trade". Nonetheless, there has been widespread criticism of the IMO's relative inaction since the conclusion of the Paris conference, with the initial data-gathering step of a three-stage process to reduce maritime greenhouse emissions expected to last until 2020. In 2018, the Initial IMO Strategy on

1302-463: The 176th Member State of the organization. Most UN member states that are not members of IMO are landlocked countries. These include Afghanistan, Andorra, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Eswatini, Laos, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The Federated States of Micronesia , an island-nation in the Pacific Ocean,

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1364-663: The 31st session of the Assembly in 2019 he was re-appointed for a second term, ending on 31 December 2023. The technical work of the International Maritime Organisation is carried out by five principal Committees. These include: It is regulated in the Article 28(a) of the Convention on the IMO: ARTICLE 28 (a) The Maritime Safety Committee shall consider any matter within the scope of

1426-545: The Agreement. Wind direction Weather forecasts typically give the direction of the wind along with its speed , for example a "northerly wind at 15 km/h" is a wind blowing from the north at a speed of 15 km/h . If wind gusts are present, their speed may also be reported. A variety of instruments can be used to measure wind direction, such as the anemoscope , windsock , and wind vane . All these instruments work by moving to minimize air resistance. The way

1488-647: The Assembly or the Council, or any duty within the scope of this Article which may be assigned to it by or under any other international instrument and accepted by the Organization. (c) Having regard to the provisions of Article 25, the Maritime Safety Committee, upon request by the Assembly or the Council or, if it deems such action useful in the interests of its own work, shall maintain such close relationship with other bodies as may further

1550-566: The English Channel The Torrey Canyon grounding was the largest oil pollution incident recorded up to that time. This incident prompted a series of new conventions. IMO held an emergency session of its council to deal with the need to readdress regulations pertaining to maritime pollution. In 1969, the IMO Assembly decided to host an international gathering in 1973 dedicated to this issue. The goal at hand

1612-722: The European Code for Navigation on Inland Waters) apply. In the United States, the rules for vessels navigating inland are published alongside the international rules. As of 2022, there are 41 Rules and four annexes in COLREGs Rules in force. Rule 1 - Application. This rule states that the COLREGs should be complied with by all vessels on the "high seas". Rule 2 – Responsibility. This rule allows Master mariners and other persons in charge of vessels to depart from

1674-636: The IMO are the Faroe Islands , Hong Kong and Macau . In 1961, the territories of Sabah and Sarawak , which had been included through the participation of United Kingdom, became joint associate members. In 1963 they became part of Malaysia. The most recent members to join were Armenia and Nauru (which became IMO members in January and May 2018, respectively). Botswana , joined the IMO in October 2021. On 27 February 2024, Kyrgyzstan became

1736-827: The IMO facilitated the adoption of the International Grain Code . In December 2002, new amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention were enacted by the IMO. These amendments gave rise to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code , which went into effect on 1 July 2004. The concept of the code is to provide layered and redundant defences against smuggling, terrorism, piracy, stowaways, etc. The ISPS Code required most ships and port facilities engaged in international trade to establish and maintain strict security procedures as specified in ship and port specific Ship Security Plans and Port Facility Security Plans. The IMO headquarters are located in

1798-718: The IMO have included amendments to SOLAS , which among other things, included upgraded fire protection standards on passenger ships , the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seamen(STCW) which establishes basic requirements on training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers and to the Convention on the Prevention of Maritime Pollution ( MARPOL 73/78 ), which required double hulls on all tankers . The IMO's e-Navigation system has harmonised marine navigation systems with supporting shore services, as available to seamen and shore-side traffic services called. An e-Navigation strategy

1860-532: The Organization concerned with aids to navigation, construction and equipment of vessels, manning from a safety standpoint, rules for the prevention of collisions, handling of dangerous cargoes, maritime safety procedures and requirements, hydrographic information, log-books and navigational records, marine casualty investigation, salvage and rescue, and any other matters directly affecting maritime safety. (b) The Maritime Safety Committee shall provide machinery for performing any duties assigned to it by this Convention,

1922-869: The Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Others include the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC). It also functions as a depository of yet to be ratified treaties, such as the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996 ( HNS Convention ) and Nairobi International Convention of Removal of Wrecks (2007). IMO regularly enacts regulations, which are broadly enforced by national and local maritime authorities in member countries, such as

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1984-736: The Provisions of the Convention Rule 39 - Definitions Rule 40 - Application Rule 41 - Verification of Compliance ANNEX I - Positioning and Technical Details of Lights and Shapes ANNEX II Addition Signals for Fishing Vessels Fishing in Close Proximity ANNEX III ;: Technical Details of Sound Signal Appliances International Maritime Organization The International Maritime Organization ( IMO ; French : Organisation maritime internationale ; Spanish : Organización Marítima Internacional )

2046-533: The assembly, and various divisions such as those for marine safety, environmental protection and a conference section. IMO was established in 1948 following a UN conference in Geneva to bring the regulation of the safety of shipping into an international framework. Hitherto such international conventions had been initiated piecemeal, notably the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), first adopted in 1914 following

2108-639: The bow of a ship, with a lone seafarer maintaining a look-out. The previous headquarters of IMO were at 101 Piccadilly (now the home of the Embassy of Japan ), prior to that at 22 Berners Street in Fitzrovia and originally in Chancery Lane . The IMO consists of an Assembly, a Council and five main Committees. The organization is led by a Secretary-General. A number of Sub-Committees support

2170-680: The conditions and to effectively take action to avoid collision in ample time. As far as possible, vessels should avoid altering to port for vessels forward of their beam unless being overtaken and avoid altering course towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam . For ships that have heard another vessels sound signal but not observed them on radar, part e requires the ship to reduce speed to the minimum required to maintain their course and if necessary to take all way off. Rule 20 – Application Rule 21 – Definitions Rule 22 – Visibility of Lights. The minimum visible distance requirements of navigational lights are detailed under this rule. These vary according to

2232-467: The disposal of engine room wastes. By tonnage, the aforementioned was a bigger problem than accidental pollution. The most significant development to come out of this conference was the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL). It covers not only accidental and operational oil pollution but also different types of pollution by chemicals, goods in packaged form, sewage, garbage and air pollution. The original MARPOL

2294-459: The establishment of the International Maritime Organisation in 1958. When IMCO began its operations in 1959 certain other pre-existing conventions were brought under its aegis, most notable the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil (OILPOL) 1954. In January 1959, IMO began to maintain and promote the 1954 OILPOL Convention. Under the guidance of IMO, the convention

2356-399: The keeping of a proper lookout to sea. It involves keeping the lookout by all available means, including audible means, visual means and by the use of marine radar . Rule 6 – Safe Speed. This rule sets out a requirement for all vessels to proceed at a safe speed with reference to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. Relevant circumstances include, for example, the state of visibility,

2418-1049: The length of the vessel. For example, for vessels greater than 50 metres in length, the visibility ranges of lights are 6 miles for masthead lights, 3 miles for sidelights, 3 miles for the sternlight, 3 miles for towing lights and 3 miles for an all round light. Rule 23 – Power-driven Vessels Underway Rule 24 – Towing and Pushing Rule 25 – Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars Rule 26 – Fishing Vessels Rule 27 – Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in their Ability to Manoeuvre Rule 28 – Vessels Constrained by their Draught Rule 29 – Pilot Vessels Rule 30 – Anchored Vessels and Vessels Aground Rule 31 – Seaplanes Rule 32 – Definitions Rule 33 – Equipment for Sound Signals Rule 34 – Manoeuvring and Warning Signals Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention Rule 37 - Distress Signals PART E - Exemptions Rule 38 - Exemptions PART F - Verification of Compliance with

2480-401: The management of ships which will ensure that agreed operational procedures are in place and followed by the ship and shore-side staff. The MSC and MEPC are assisted in their work by a number of sub-committees which are open to all Member States. The committees are: The names of the IMO sub-committees were changed in 2013. Prior to 2013 there were nine Sub-Committees as follows: To become

2542-564: The mid to late 20th century, including the International Convention on Load Lines in 1966 (replacing an earlier 1930 Convention), the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea in 1972 (also replacing an earlier set of rules) and the STCW Convention in 1978. In 1975, the assembly of the IMO decided that future conventions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and other IMO instruments should use SI units only. As such, sea transportation

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2604-470: The other, becoming the give way vessel under rule 17. The other vessel is required to stand-on under rule 17. Also, if the circumstances of the case admit, the vessel that has the other on their starboard side should avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. Rule 16 – Action by Give-way Vessel. This rule requires the give-way vessel to take early and substantial action to keep well clear of the other vessel. Rule 17 – Action by Stand-on Vessel. Rule 17 requires

2666-470: The passage of larger vessels in the narrow channel. It also gives reference to signals (sound and light) that can be given to allow vessels to overtake one another if following the narrow channel or fairway, as well as a separate signal when approaching a bend. Vessels are also not allowed to anchor unless there are legitimate circumstances for doing so. Rule 10 – Traffic Separation Schemes. Typically abbreviated to TSS by mariners, these schemes aim to promote

2728-517: The presence of other ships (traffic), as well as the draught and manoeuvrability of the mariner's own ship. Rule 7 – Risk of Collision. This rule requires all vessels to use all available means to determine if a risk of collision exists. These include the proper use of marine radar and the taking of bearings by ship's compass to determine if there is a steady bearing and risk of collison. Rule 8 – Action to Avoid Collision. This rule sets out requirements for vessels to alter course and/or speed to pass

2790-579: The purposes of the Organization The Maritime Safety Committee is the most senior of these and is the main Technical Committee; it oversees the work of its nine sub-committees and initiates new topics. One broad topic it deals with is the effect of the human element on casualties ; this work has been put to all of the sub-committees, but meanwhile, the Maritime Safety Committee has developed a code for

2852-466: The reduction of GHG emissions from ships was adopted. In 2021, The New York Times wrote that the IMO "has repeatedly delayed and watered down climate regulations". The IMO has also taken action to mitigate the global effects of ballast water and sediment discharge, through the 2004 Ballast Water Management Convention , which entered into force in September 2017. In December 2023 the IMO adopted

2914-517: The rules to "avoid immediate danger", provided there are special circumstances for doing so. The rule also effectively requires all navigators to exercise good seamanship in applying the rules. Rule 3 – General Definitions. This rule sets out key definitions that apply to terms in the rest of the rules, including definitions for 'power-driven vessels', 'sailing vessels' and other terms such as 'not under command' and 'vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre. Rule 4 – Application. This rule sets out

2976-418: The safe passage of other/larger vessels. Rule 11 - Application Rule 12 – Sailing Vessels. The rule details how two or more sailing vessels should give way to each other when meeting. This is based on the wind direction . When each sailing vessel has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side should keep out of the way of the other. Alternatively when both sailing vessels have

3038-488: The safety of navigation by ensuring ships follow a general direction of travel within defined traffic lanes. The TSS lanes are shown on paper and electronic charts and by monitoring their position, a ship can determine their navigation within the scheme. Additionally, a TSS provides separation zones and inshore-traffic zones, to which restrictions apply. Additional restrictions also apply to some vessel types, such as fishing vessels and vessels less than 20m in length to not impede

3100-831: The stand-on vessel to maintain their course and speed. However, if it appears that the other vessel who is required to give way is not taking action, then they may take action to avoid collision according to certain requirements having been met. Rule 18 – Responsibilities Between Vessels. Rule 18 effectively establishes an order of priority between all vessels and modes of operation of those vessels. For power-driven vessels operating normally, these type of vessels are required to keep clear of all other vessels, including sailing and fishing vessels. However, where vessels are subject to restrictions such as not under command, constrained by draft or restricted in their ability manoeuvre, then other vessels, including other power-driven vessels, sailing vessels and fishing vessels are either required to keep out of

3162-416: The technical basis for the reduction mechanisms that may form part of a future IMO regime to control greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, and a draft of the actual reduction mechanisms themselves, for further consideration by IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). The IMO participated in the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris seeking to establish itself as

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3224-608: The training and certification of seafarers, and piracy. More recently SOLAS has been amended to bring an increased focus on maritime security through the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code . The IMO has also increased its focus on smoke emissions from ships. In 1983, the IMO established the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden and also facilitated the adoption of the IGC Code . In 1991,

3286-419: The transfer of cargoes at sea, known as ship-to-ship transfers. The IMO Cape Town Agreement is an international International Maritime Organization legal instrument established in 2012, that sets out minimum safety requirements for fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over or equivalent in gross tons. As of 2022, the Agreement is not yet in force but the IMO is encouraging more member States to ratify

3348-477: The way or not impede their passage, depending on the requirements. Rule 19 – Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility. This rule governs collision avoidance for vessels not in sight of another when navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility. Causes include fog , smoke and other phenomena such as heavy precipitation. The rule requires all vessels to proceed at a safe speed adapted to

3410-443: The wind energy industry, both for wind resource assessment and turbine control. When a high measurement frequency is needed (such as in research applications), wind can be measured by the propagation speed of ultrasound signals or by the effect of ventilation on the resistance of a heated wire. Another type of anemometer uses pitot tubes that take advantage of the pressure differential between an inner tube and an outer tube that

3472-427: The wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward should keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward. Finally, if a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on her port or starboard side, they should keep out of the way of the other, ie they take action to make the situation safe regardless of knowing for sure

3534-572: The wind situation of the other vessel. Rule 13 – Overtaking. This rule governs overtaking situations between different vessels. The primary requirement is that for all overtaking vessels, they must keep clear of the vessels they are overtaking. For sailing vessels Rule 13 also takes precedence over rules 12 and 18 meaning the overtaking sailing vessel must keep clear. Rule 14 – Head-on Situation. This rule requires power-driven vessels that meet head-on ie bow directly facing another bow, to both alter course to starboard so as to pass clear of each other. This

3596-456: The work of the main technical committees. The governing body of the International Maritime Organization is the Assembly which meets every two years. In between Assembly sessions a Council, consisting of 40 Member States elected by the Assembly, acts as the governing body. The technical work of the International Maritime Organization is carried out by a series of Committees. The Secretariat consists of some 300 international civil servants headed by

3658-415: Was amended in 1962, 1969, and 1971. The first meetings of the newly formed IMCO were held in London in 1959. As oil trade and industry developed, many people in the industry began to recognise a need for further improvements in regards to oil pollution prevention at sea. This became increasingly apparent in 1967, when the tanker Torrey Canyon spilled 120,000 tons of crude oil when it ran aground entering

3720-586: Was ratified in 2005, and an implementation plan was developed through three IMO sub-committees. The plan was completed by 2014 and implemented in November of that year. IMO has also served as a key partner and enabler of US international and interagency efforts to establish maritime domain awareness . The IMO has a role in tackling international climate change . The First Intersessional Meeting of IMO's Working Group on Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships took place in Oslo, Norway (23–27 June 2008), tasked with developing

3782-518: Was signed on 17 February 1973, but did not come into force due to lack of ratifications. The current convention is a combination of 1973 Convention and the 1978 Protocol. It entered into force on 2 October 1983. As of January 2018, 156 states, representing 99.42 per cent of the world's shipping tonnage, are signatories to the MARPOL convention. As well as updates to MARPOL and SOLAS, the IMO facilitated several updated international maritime conventions in

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3844-399: Was to develop an international agreement for controlling general environmental contamination by ships when out at sea. During the next few years IMO brought to the forefront a series of measures designed to prevent large ship accidents and to minimise their effects. It also detailed how to deal with the environmental threat caused by routine ship duties such as the cleaning of oil cargo tanks or

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