IMO Welcomes 175th Member State – The Republic Of Botswana

The Republic of Botswana has become the latest state to join the International Maritime Organization (IMO). IMO now has 175 Member States.

Botswana deposited its instrument of acceptance to the IMO Convention with the United Nations on 22 October 2021.

The Secretariat provides support to the Organization’s Member States in their work with IMO’s governing and various technical bodies, facilitating their cooperation with the other Member States and those organizations in a formal relationship with IMO. Additionally, the Secretariat supports the Member States in the establishment of their Permanent Missions with the Organization and the accreditation of its representatives, in line with the Headquarters Agreement.

Image Credits: imo.org

Becoming an IMO Member

Membership in the Organization is open to all States, subject to the provisions contained in the Convention on the International Maritime Organization.

In this regard, Members of the United Nations may become Members of the Organization by simply accepting the IMO Convention. An instrument to that effect would have to be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Other rules may be applicable if a State is not a Member of the UN.

If a State wishes to become an IMO Member, it is advisable that it contacts the IMO Secretariat prior to depositing the instrument of acceptance of the IMO Convention with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. IMO will provide it with an estimate of the payable fees, i.e. a calculation of the contribution for that year and the advance to the Working Capital Fund. Interested States may note that contributions to the IMO budget are based on a formula which is different from that used in other United Nations agencies: the amount paid by each Member State depends primarily on the tonnage of its merchant fleet.

Once the instrument of acceptance of the IMO Convention is deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the State will be welcomed as a new Member by the Organization.

Reference: imo.org

IMO Welcomes 175th Member State – The Republic Of Botswana appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News