Enforcing Maritime Regulations
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has called on Member States to strengthen the enforcement of maritime safety and security regulations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, amid continued attacks on commercial vessels in the area.
Dominguez stressed that the IMO’s technical and operational regulations are essential to protecting seafarers, ships and the marine environment, emphasizing that these requirements must be respected and effectively enforced.
“IMO’s technical and operational regulations are there to protect seafarers, ships and the marine environment. They must be respected and enforced effectively.
“There are too many cases of ships transiting the Strait without complying with fundamental provisions of treaties such as the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS),” he stated.
He also raised concerns over reports of substandard vessels, ships concealing their IMO identification numbers, vessels operating under fraudulent registrations or false flags, and other unsafe maritime practices.
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Calls for Coordinated Action
The IMO Secretary-General urged flag States, port States and relevant coastal States to fulfil their responsibilities under IMO conventions and take appropriate measures to address violations within their respective jurisdictions and in accordance with international law.
“I call on all flag States, port States and relevant coastal States to exercise their responsibilities under IMO conventions and take measures to address violations, within their respective jurisdictions, and in accordance with international law.
“I strongly urge shipowners and operators to refrain from commercial activities in the Strait that expose seafarers to unacceptable risks.
“It is imperative for Governments to tackle the root causes of this conflict, which has also increased the cost of living for millions of people worldwide,” he stated.
Following the recent decisions of the IMO Council, Dominguez also called on Member States to pursue political solutions aimed at restoring a single, safe and internationally recognized framework for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while preserving the rights and freedoms of navigation.
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