Legal Definitions - IMCO

IMCO

IMCO stands for Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization. It is an international organization that works to improve the safety and efficiency of shipping and to prevent marine pollution.

IMCO was established in 1948 and was later renamed as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1982. It has 174 member states and three associate members.

One of the key functions of IMCO is to develop and maintain international regulations and standards for shipping. For example, it has developed the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) which sets out minimum safety standards for ships.

Another example is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) which aims to prevent pollution of the marine environment by ships.

These examples illustrate how IMCO works to improve the safety and efficiency of shipping and to prevent marine pollution through the development and maintenance of international regulations and standards.