Syllabus: GS3/ Security,
Context
- India has reiterated its commitment to maritime safety and gender equality during the 134th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, held in London.
India’s Key Interventions at the 134th IMO Session
- Call for IMO-Led Investigation into Maritime Incidents: India highlighted recent accidents, which caused container losses, and release of hazardous cargo such as;
- Sinking of MSC ELSA 3, a container ship carrying hazardous cargo, off the coast of Kochi, Kerala (in May 2025),
- Fire and explosion on WAN HAI 503 (in June 2025) off the Kerala coast.
- India urged the IMO to:
- Conduct comprehensive investigations into such incidents.
- Review global standards governing the transport of hazardous goods, especially lithium-ion batteries and other items listed under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
- Improve international protocols on packaging, declaration, stowage, and monitoring of dangerous cargo.
- India proposed IMO-led standardisation:
- For incident response protocols.
- To establish global best practices and enhance the operational safety of container ships.
- India’s “Sagar Mein Samman” Initiative: India showcased “Sagar Mein Samman” (Honour at Sea), launched in 2024 by the Directorate General of Shipping. It aims to;
- Promote a safe and inclusive maritime workplace.
- Encourage women’s participation at all levels—from seafaring roles to leadership positions.
- India reported a 650% increase in the number of Indian women seafarers.
Laws and Conventions
- International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): It was rolled out by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1973 and recognised the need for international coherent efforts for curbing oil spill.
- India is a signatory to the MARPOL Convention.
- The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, Sets minimum working and living standards for seafarers globally. Covers aspects such as equal opportunity, safety, and gender inclusion on board vessels.
- Merchant shipping Act, 1958: The Act, describes the power to give a notice to the owner, when the central government is satisfied the ship is not as per the prescribed rules.
- After notice, if the person fails to comply, the government can convict the person of an offense.
Way Ahead
- IMO-Level Structural Reforms: Enhance compliance mechanisms for cargo safety.
- Establish an international maritime incident investigation body.
- Technological Integration: Use of blockchain and AI for cargo tracking and declaration transparency.
- Capacity Building and Training: Support to developing countries in implementing IMDG Code protocols.
- Boosting Women’s Participation: Replicate India’s initiatives globally to promote gender inclusion in maritime sectors.
| About the IMO – The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialised UN agency responsible for regulating shipping. – 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 in 1958. – Headquarters: London, United Kingdom – IMO currently has 176 Member States and three Associate Members. |
Source: DD News
