“Ships violating the rules…” – UN maritime body issues urgent call

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, has called for compliance with international shipping regulations in the Strait of Hormuz.

TodayPress TV reports that IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez made the statement.

“IMO’s technical and operational standards are designed to ensure the protection of seafarers, ships and the marine environment. These standards must be followed and their implementation effectively enforced. However, an excessive number of cases have been recorded in which ships transit the strait without complying with key provisions of international treaties, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)”,- he stressed.

Dominguez expressed concern over reports that vessels failing to meet established standards, concealing their IMO numbers, operating under false registration or flying false flags continue to transit the strait.

“I call on all flag states, port states and relevant coastal states to fulfil their obligations under IMO conventions and take measures to address violations within their jurisdictions and in accordance with international law”,- Dominguez said.

According to IMO statistics, at least 25 seafarers have been killed in the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the conflict between the United States and Iran. From late February to November 7, the total number of attacks on commercial vessels in the region reached 133.

Aysel Matlab