Other Activities

IMO is the United Nations regulatory agency for the maritime sector. Its global mandate is “safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient and sustainable shipping through cooperation”. IMO pursues that mandate by adopting international maritime rules and standards that are then implemented and enforced by Governments in the exercise of flag, port and coastal State jurisdiction. IMO currently has 175 Member States.

The Convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization was adopted by IMO in 1976 to establish and oversee satellite communications for shipping.

IMSO, as a strategic ally of IMO and watchdog of proper provisions and implementation of IMO’s requirements, takes an active role in IMO’s work and participates in various of its technical meetings such the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and the Navigation, Communications, Search and Rescue Sub-Committee (NCSR) and also in the Facilitation, Legal and Technical Cooperation Committees.

Co-operation between ITU and IMSO in the field of mobile satellite telecommunications is supported by the Administrative Arrangements agreed between the Organizations in 2001. Under the Administrative Arrangements agreed between the Organizations, IMSO contributes to the work at ITU on issues related to the allocation and protection of the radiocommunications spectrum used in the provision of maritime mobile satellite communications services for the GMDSS.

ICAO’s and IMSO’s cooperation in the aeronautical field and in particular of mobile satellite communications is supported by the Agreement of Cooperation signed by the Organizations in 2000.

By signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2013, WMO and IMSO agreed to establish and maintain cooperation relative to matters of common interest to both Organizations, in particular the use of satellite telecommunication services for the collection and dissemination of marine meteorological and oceanographic data to promote the safety of life and property at sea and the safe and efficient operation of ships. IMSO is represented in WMO’s organs or their subsidiary bodies or conferences.

IMSO enjoys observer status with the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) and the IMSO Assembly has extended reciprocal observer status to UNCOPUOS. The Director General regularly attends meetings of UNCOPUOS and its Legal and Scientific and Technical Sub-Committees and has presented information on the activities of IMSO.

The Director General has continued to participate in the work of the United Nations Open-Ended Informal Consultative Process established by the General Assembly in its Resolution A/RES/54/33 in order to facilitate the annual review by the General Assembly of developments in Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and has submitted information on the activities of IMSO in the fields of maritime security and safety.

On 20 December 1961, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 1721 (XVI) on “International Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space” which identified telecommunications by satellite as an important benefit and hoped “that communications by satellites should be available to the nations of the world as soon as practicable on a global and non-discriminatory basis”.

The UN’s expectations were ultimately met by the creation of the European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (EUTELSAT IGO), the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT), the Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications (INTERSPUTNIK) and also some national systems with a regional coverage. At that time, most telecommunications were regarded as a public service to be provided by government and to be operated in a monopoly environment.

Furthermore, the commercial utilisation of space technology was conceivable only through governments or intergovernmental agencies because of the need for government funding of the huge capital expenditure involved in establishing a satellite system, as well as strategic issues.

This led to the establishment of Intergovernmental Satellite Organizations (ISOs), enabling Governments to maintain control over public global or regional services, rather than entrusting such services to the private sector.

The 1980s and 1990s saw a rapid increase in the commercialisation of space activities, as well as a basic change in the regulatory environment and role of the private sector. This has led to privatisation or restructuring of a number of the ISOs.

However, sharing a similar history, IMSO works in close collaboration with EUTELSAT IGO, ITSO and Intersputnik on matters of common interest.

In December 2009 a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed by IMSO, the European Telecommunications Satellite Organization (EUTELSAT IGO) and the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO), following the agreement of each Organization’s Plenary Assembly. The Heads of the three intergovernmental satellite organizations meet on a regular basis to discuss matters of mutual interest and to give further consideration to joint initiatives in relation to the regulatory framework applicable to satellite communications and capacity building.

IMSO and the Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications signed an Agreement on Cooperation in 2013 in order to reinforce their relationship. The two organizations have mutual observer status during plenary meetings of the Assembly of Parties for EUTELSAT IGO and the Council for Intersputnik.

IHO and IMSO signed an Agreement of Cooperation in 2006 recognising that both Organizations have many complementary interests serving the interests of safety of life at sea, safe navigation and the promotion of safe and efficient maritime transport. IMSO contributes to the work of IHO on issues related to the broadcast of maritime safety information (MSI) via the mobile satellite services recognized for use in the GMDSS. In contributing to this work, IMSO regularly attends meetings of IHO’s World Wide Navigational Warning Service Sub-Committee and its Document Review Working Group.

The European Commission and IMSO signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2010. The Organizations cooperate on matters of common interest and, in particular, in their respective roles with regard to the application of satellite communications and satellite radio-navigation services for the purpose of enhancing maritime safety and security, in particular through the GMDSS and LRIT. Representatives of the European Commission attend sessions of the Assembly and the Advisory Committee, as an Observer, in accordance with Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ISO and IMSO in 2020 to support their cooperation on matters of common interest and recognizing their complementary activities serving the interests of safety of life at sea, safe navigation and the promotion of safe and efficient maritime transport.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between CIRM and IMSO in 2007 to support their cooperation on matters of common interest, and recognizing their complementary activities serving the interests of safety of life at sea, safe navigation and the promotion of safe and efficient maritime transport.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ICS and IMSO in 2020 to support their cooperation on matters of common interest and recognizing their complementary activities serving the interests of safety of life at sea, safe navigation and the promotion of safe and efficient maritime transport.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between IALA and IMSO in 2007 to support their cooperation on matters of common interest and recognizing their complementary activities serving the interests of safety of life at sea, safe navigation and the promotion of safe and efficient maritime transport.

WMU, as a global centre of excellence recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations General Assembly, plays a significant role in maritime and ocean education, research, capacity-building and economic development while promoting the roles of women in the maritime and ocean sectors. The IMSO Director General, Mr. Laurent Parenté, has been a Board Member since January 2020.

The mission of IMLI is to enhance capacity-building in all States, particularly developing States, to contribute to the fulfilment of the IMO objectives thereby promoting safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient and sustainable shipping through cooperation.