December 16, 2005

The Bahamas was re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in November 2005, for the fourth time, to serve on Category "C" of the IMO Council. The Bahamas is presently the third largest ship registry in the world, and, as a result, is an active member of the IMO in protecting national maritime interests.

The IMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that came into force in 1958 after the conclusion of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The first IMO Assembly was convened in London in 1959 and since then has worked to facilitate cooperation among governments to improve maritime safety, engage in international technical cooperation and prevent pollution of the oceans from shipping activities.

The Assembly of 166 Member States generally convenes every two years. The IMO also deals with matters of navigation efficiency, the facilitation of international maritime traffic, legal matters connected with international shipping, and also through training, certification and watch keeping, sets standards of competence for seafarers internationally, as well as providing technical assistance in maritime matters to developing countries.

In 1976, The Bahamas became a member of the IMO Assembly and has been elected four times to serve on the Council, a 40-member executive body elected for two-year terms by the Assembly and responsible for the work of the organization.

Category "A" of the Council comprises 10 countries with the largest interest in providing international shipping services; the 10 countries in Category "B" seek election based on having the largest interest in sea borne trade; and Category "C", comprises 20 countries which have special interest in maritime transport or navigation and are elected to represent all the major geographic areas.