IMO for Better Regulation

 

With a new resolution, United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) stresses the need for better regulation and fewer administrative burdens for the benefit of seafarers, shipowners and administrations alike.

At the IMO Council meeting held last week, agreement was reached about a draft resolution establishing that international shipping regulation must be sharper. Already when new regulations are being worded, it must be considered which requirements are imposed on both the seafarers on board the ships and the shipowners' shore-based offices. Unnecessary administrative difficulties must be weeded out before the regulations are written and adopted by the IMO.

The resolution lists five principles of better regulation: necessity, consistency, proportionality, flexibility and clarity. Bearing these principles in mind, all 171 IMO Member States are reminded of the obligation to carefully consider the situation before grabbing pen and paper and drawing up new regulations. Regulations should be goal-based and less prescriptive.

Denmark has actively kept the reduction of administrative burdens on the IMO agenda. In the Danish view, it is therefore positive that the IMO establishes the importance of better regulation through a resolution.