Developing Navigation Standards: The IMO Subcommittee on Safety of Navigation

Shipping is perhaps the most international of the world's industries, serving more than 90% of global trade. The ownership and management chain surrounding any ship can include many countries, and ships may spend their economic lives moving through different jurisdictions, often far from the country of registry. Therefore, there is a need for international standards that can be adopted and accepted by all to regulate shipping. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, based in the United Kingdom, with 169 member states and 3 associate members. The IMO's main task has been to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping. Its responsibility today includes safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical cooperation, maritime security, and shipping efficiency. A sub-unit of the IMO, the Subcommittee on Safety of Navigation (SSN), considers matters related to obligations of governments and operational measures related to safety of navigation. This article outlines and discusses the responsibilities of the SSN.