2014 was a busy, varied and successful year for the Organization
2014 saw IMO actively pursuing its targets and objectives in a wide range of subject areas. In these pages we present some of the highlights of what was a busy, varied and successful year for the Organization. IMO presents on its website all initiatives introduced during 2014 regarding maritime safety, environmental protection, maritime security and facilitation, capacity building, legal matters, seafarer welfare, IMO measures and campaigns.
Maritime Safety
Safety remained a high priority during 2014. IMO adopted the safety provisions of the Polar Code and SOLAS amendments to make it mandatory. Also adopted were important measures addressing container safety and enclosed space entry drills. Several amendments entered into force during the year. Domestic ferry safety was also a topic of concern.
Environmental protection
2014 proved a busy and productive year for IMO on the environmental front. Among the highlights were the adoption of the environmental provisions of the Polar Code and the entry into force of the Emission Control Area for the United States and Caribbean Sea. Further progress was also made on extending and developing energy efficiency measures for ships.
Maritime security and facilitation
IMO joined other UN bodies in calling for action to address irregular maritime migration, an increasing problem from the point of view of loss of life at sea as well as a burden on shipping. The Facilitation Committee moved forward on e-business and the single window concept, approving a completely revised Annex to the FAL Convention, while the Facilitation and Maritime safety Committees agreed to look into cyber security. Action against piracy and armed robbery against ships remained a high priority off the coasts of Africa.
Capacity building
IMO was involved in a series of capacity-building projectsacross the globe including ship recycling, energy efficiency, counter-piracy and stowaways.
Legal matters
April saw the entry into force of the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea, while the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks reached its criteria to enter into force in April 2015.
Seafarer welfare
IMO joined a UN and industry taskforce on Ebola Virus Diseaseand continued to work with ILO on seafarer matters.
Implementing IMO measures
The importance of effective implementation of IMO measures was a recurrent topic throughout 2014 as it had been chosen as the theme for World Maritime Day. The Secretary-General spoke on theme at meetings and conference across the globe and recorded a video message highlighting key aspects of the subject. A host of workshops, seminars and training events were organised all over the world, and work progressed in preparation for implementation of the mandatory IMO Member State audit scheme.
Campaigns and outreach
Acclaimed video productions featuring the work of IMO, global campaigns such as Day of the seafarer, photographs and blogs, IMO has been busy promoting the good work of the organization.
Source: IMO
