Shipping might be the most important industry in the world, but it's also one of the most dangerous. Safety at sea is imperative, and making improvements in ship security is catalyzed by the development and enforcement of international regulations.

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is perhaps the most important of all maritime safety treaties. The IMO also ratified collision regulations pertaining to search and rescue, facilitation of international maritime traffic, load lines, transport of dangerous goods, tonnage, and other global standards for seafaring workers.

The Maritime Safety Committee - the IMO's senior technical body - is aided in its mission by its sub-committees. You can learn more about the regulations pertaining to carriage and cargoes, ship design and construction, the implementation of IMO instruments, search and rescue navigations, the human elements of watchkeeping and training, ship systems and equipment, and how to better protect the environment through pollution prevention and response. There's a plethora of information available here about how you can be safe, strong, and productive while at sea.