Regulatory: Who's Who?

Founded in 1945, and currently made up of 193 member states, the UN has operations managed through a wealth of specialised agencies and programmes. These agencies and programmes can have a varying influence on shipping – from protection of the environment through to shaping labour laws. The UN is the overarching global body where nations can gather, discuss common problems, and find shared solutions that benefit all of humanity.

The UN is parent organisation of The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) - the framework that governs the use of the world’s oceans and seas.  

Under the UN umbrella sits UN-Oceans. UN-Oceans is an inter-agency mechanism that seeks to enhance the coordination, coherence and effectiveness of competent organisations of the United Nations system and others such as the International Seabed Authority. There are currently 31 members of UN-Oceans.

The UN’s specialised maritime agency, which sets the global standards for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. The IMO is the parent organisation of most of the Conventions, Codes and Guidelines that maintain the safe and sustainable use of the ocean by ships.

The 176 member states of the IMO maintain their own systems through which they fulfil their obligations under international law. This might be as a flag, port and/or coastal state.

There are 66 Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs) with observer status at the IMO, working across a wide range of issues, from oil pollution compensation (IOPC Funds) and safe navigation (IHO) to satellite communications (ITSO) and meteorology (WMO). IGOs observe and submit documents to IMO meetings or conferences and can consult with and help the IMO on matters of common interest. The IMO also has Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with consultative status – including BIMCO. NGOs at the IMO provide expertise, which makes a substantial contribution to the organisation.

The ILO is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognised human and labour rights.  Since 1919 it has worked to bring together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men. In 2006, the ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention set out the comprehensive rights and protection at work for the world's more than 1.5 million seafarers, establishing minimum working and living standards. Additionally, the ILO addresses issues such as fair wages, working hours, onboard safety, and access to health care, fostering sustainable and equitable maritime labour practices worldwide. It also plays an important role in shaping ship recycling policy to protect workers from the often hazardous work of dismantling old ships for recycling. 

DOALOS oversees the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS governs all aspects of international shipping, including freedom of navigation and areas beyond national jurisdiction, ensuring that maritime activities are conducted in a way that preserves peace, security, and environmental sustainability. UNCLOS also addresses issues such as seabed exploration and the conservation of marine resources.

The UN Security Council plays a critical role in ensuring maritime security by addressing issues such as piracy and conflicts affecting international shipping routes. It authorises actions such as military interventions or peacekeeping operations to maintain safe and secure navigation, particularly in areas prone to piracy or regional instability.

UNEP is the leading global authority on the environment, working with governments, civil society, the private sector and other UN entities to address humanity’s most pressing environmental challenges. When it comes to shipping, this means tackling marine pollution, plastic waste, and biodiversity conservation through the numerous multilateral environmental agreements that fall under its remit including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). 
 
UNEP is the parent organisation of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposals. The Basel Convention plays a role in shaping policies to reduce the environmental impact of ship recycling. It is particularly significant when it comes to ensuring the environmentally sound management of the waste streams originating from the ship recycling process, including hazardous waste such as asbestos, heavy metals and other toxic materials. The Basel Convention’s guidelines can ensure these materials are handled and disposed of safely, protecting workers and the environment. 

UNODC tackles maritime crimes such as smuggling, human trafficking, and piracy. It works closely with member states to combat illegal activities on the high seas, enhancing security in international shipping. UNODC provides support through training, capacity-building and developing international legal frameworks to prevent and address maritime crime.

The Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972, known as the London Convention, was one of the first global conventions to protect the marine environment from human activities. It has been in force since 1975 and aims to protect our ocean from dumping waste at sea. In 1996, the London Protocol was agreed in order to modernise the Convention, entering into force in March 2006.  

The London Convention and its Protocol together regulate the disposal of harmful substances, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), to protect marine ecosystems. The objective is to promote the effective control of all sources of marine pollution and to take all practicable steps to prevent pollution of the sea by dumping of wastes and other matters. 

Established after the Torrey Canyon oil spill in 1967, the IOPC Funds provide financial compensation for damages caused by oil pollution from ships. They support those impacted by oil spills by offering a mechanism for claims and compensation, encouraging shipowners to adhere to environmental safety standards and mitigating the economic and environmental impacts of spills. The IOPC Funds are financed by contributions paid by entities that receive certain types of oil by sea transport. Since their establishment, the funds have been involved in 158 incidents of varying sizes all over the world.

UNFCCC focuses on high-level climate change policies of nations and as such has an indirect influence on the shipping industry. Through international agreements like the Paris Agreement, the UNFCCC seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote decarbonisation. The Paris Agreement is specifically cited in the IMO greenhouse gas strategy, which includes a statement about reducing emissions from shipping consistent with the long-term temperature goals set out in Article 2 of the agreement. The Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UNFCCC is seen as one of the pivotal annual events in the “decarbonisation” calendar.

IHO is responsible for the development and coordination of international standards for maritime navigation, including the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). It ensures safe navigation by providing essential information, such as accurate charts and data for ships operating in international waters. The IMO and IHO cooperate to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection by improving hydrographic services, navigational charts and standards for safe navigation worldwide.

WHO monitors and addresses global health issues, including the health of those at sea. This came to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a major impact on seafarers. The WHO provides guidance on health protocols for seafarers, ensuring that shipping operations continue safely during health crises, seafarers can access healthcare and vaccinations, and the spread of infectious diseases within the maritime sector is controlled. The WHO also addresses issues such as disease prevention, sanitation and occupational health risks on ships, ensuring safe and healthy conditions when working at sea.

WMO plays a key role in improving weather routing and safety for ships by providing reliable meteorological data. It helps shipping operators anticipate and avoid hazardous weather conditions, contributing to safer, more efficient voyages and better operational decision-making in the maritime industry.

The WCO works on customs-related matters including commodity classification, valuation, rules of origin, collection of customs revenue, supply chain security, international trade facilitation, customs enforcement activities, and customs reforms and modernization. It also addresses the challenges and opportunities of new technologies, such as digitalization and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of customs operations.

UNCITRAL promotes the interests of developing countries in world trade, focusing on enhancing their participation and integration into the global economy. It provides technical assistance, research, and policy advice to improve shipping logistics, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, fostering more inclusive and sustainable trade practices.

UNCTAD promotes the interests of developing countries in world trade, focusing on enhancing their participation and integration into the global economy. It provides technical assistance, research, and policy advice to improve shipping logistics, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks, fostering more inclusive and sustainable trade practices

Founded in 1946, the IWC is the global body responsible for the sustainable management of whaling activities and the conservation of whale populations. Over the years, its work programme has expanded to include bycatch & entanglement, ship strikes, underwater radiated noise, debris and sustainable whale watching. The IWC works to reduce collisions between ships and whales, contributing to the protection of marine life and the safe navigation of ships in whale habitats.

One of the newest IGOs in the maritime sector, IALA was formed in 2024 and focusses on common efforts to harmonise marine aids to navigation worldwide. Its goal is to ensure that the movements of ships are safe, expeditious and cost-effective whilst protecting the environment. The organisation considers the needs of mariners, developments in technology, and the requirements and constraints of aids to navigation authorities in its work.

INTERPOL is a global law enforcement agency that facilitates cooperation among police forces from 195 member countries. INTERPOL helps combat international crime, including piracy, terrorism, human trafficking, cybercrime and organised crime. INTERPOL provides secure communication tools, criminal databases, and support for transnational investigations but does not have its own police force. Instead, it works alongside member states to promote global security and justice.

The Paris-based Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) was founded in 1961 to promote economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development.  When it comes to shipping, its work to foster global trade and economic growth gives it a voice on issues that impact the commercial shipping industry. 

The EU consists of 27 member states within Europe. It may be a regional body but the collective power of its 27 member states, including key maritime nations such as Greece, Denmark and Malta, means it is highly influential, particularly when it comes to strict environmental regulations to reduce pollution from shipping and ship recycling. It has taken a lead on policy action to decarbonise shipping, with regional initiatives such as the FuelEU Maritime Regulation and the EUETS. Furthermore, the EU plays an important role in strengthening maritime security in the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

NATO ensures maritime security, particularly in conflict zones and regions threatened by piracy or military instability. Through joint operations and partnerships, NATO plays a key role in safeguarding international shipping lanes and protecting ships from threats, contributing to global maritime security.

The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL) supports EU member states in preventing and combating serious international crime and terrorism. EUROPOL facilitates information exchange, provides analytical expertise and coordinates operations among law enforcement agencies. It focuses on areas like cybercrime, drug trafficking, human smuggling and terrorism. Unlike national police forces, EUROPOL doesn’t have arrest powers but enhances cross-border collaboration to protect EU citizens. 

The Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) is a regional organisation focused on the protection and conservation of the Baltic Sea environment. It works on reducing marine pollution, enhancing the sustainability of maritime activities, and improving shipping safety through collaborative efforts among its member states.

The OSPAR Commission is a regional organisation and parent to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR Convention).  The OSPAR Convention is a regional convention aimed at protecting the North-East Atlantic and its surrounding seas. It addresses issues such as marine pollution, conservation of biodiversity, and the sustainable management of maritime resources.

Port State Control (PSC) MOUs are regional agreements that establish guidelines for inspecting foreign ships to ensure they meet international standards for safety, pollution control and working conditions. PSC MOUs help maintain the integrity of the shipping industry by enforcing compliance with global conventions and standards.

A member state is a sovereign country that has been admitted to the relevant IGO and agrees to abide by its rules. For example, UN member states must accept the obligations of the UN Charter and be willing and able to carry them out. For the IMO a member state is a sovereign nation that has joined the organisation to collaborate on maritime safety, environmental protection, and legal matters related to shipping.

Member states when it comes to shipping might be flag states, port states, coastal states or even landlocked states with an interest in shipping and states can fall into more than one category.

States can also be referred to as party state when it comes to a specific convention. Where party state refers to a country that has ratified or acceded to an international treaty or convention, thereby agreeing to be bound by its terms and obligations.

A flag state refers to the country under whose laws a vessel is registered or licensed. These states are required, under UNCLOS to ensure compliance by vessels flying their flag or of their registry with applicable international rules and standards, established through the competent international organisation or general diplomatic conference.

Under UNCLOS, a port state refers to a country that exercises jurisdiction over foreign vessels when they are in its ports or internal waters. This jurisdiction allows the port state to enforce international regulations, particularly concerning environmental protection, safety standards, and labour conditions on ships.

Under UNCLOS, a coastal state is a nation that has sovereignty over its land territory, internal waters, and territorial sea. Coastal states have specific rights and responsibilities in various maritime zones, including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). These rights and responsibilities also have to be carefully managed within the framework of international cooperation.