Treaties for which NZ is DepositaryTrade law and free trade agreementsTreaty making processLaw of the Sea and FisheriesIMO and Security at SeaInternational FisheriesNZ Continental Shelf and Maritime BoundariesInternational Humanitarian LawInternational Courts and TribunalsPrivate International LawDiplomatic Privileges and ImmunitiesSecurity Council SanctionsSpeeches and Events
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is the United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for improving maritime safety and preventing pollution from ships. The Convention establishing the IMO was adopted in Geneva in 1948 and IMO first met in 1959. New Zealand became a member in 1960. The IMO’s special role in respect of the protection of the international marine environment is implicitly recognized by Part XII of UNCLOS. The IMO has adopted a comprehensive regulatory framework for international shipping, including rules on such issues as safety and environmental standards, compensation and liability, and maritime security.
Recently the IMO has adopted a number of new instruments to respond to the changing security environment and the growing threat of terrorism at sea. In 2005 the 1988 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation and its protocols (SUA Convention) were amended to include the use of a ship to commit a terrorist act or to illegally transport biological, chemical or nuclear weapons or materials. The amendments also set out expedited procedures to enable a State Party to board a ship of another State Party where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the ship has been, or is about to be, involved in the commission of an offence under the SUA Convention. The effective enforcement of the SUA Convention is reinforced by provisions relating to the cooperative investigation of offences and the extradition of offenders.
New Zealand signed the 2005 SUA amendments in January 2007 and the Ministry is currently working with other agencies towards their ratification.
