Maritime shipping is perhaps one of the most important industries in the world but it is also one of the most dangerous. Maritime safety is the protection of all the crew and passengers aboard vessels as well as those living or working near bodies of water, from hazards and the risk of injury or fatality.

It has always been recognized that the best way of improving safety at sea is by developing international regulations that are followed by all shipping nations.

Maritime standard are the industry-accepted rules that govern maritime safety and security. These rules are regulated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as well as other by other international, regional or national associations and agencies. The following are some of the standards that are followed today.

• International Convention For The Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS)

• International Ship And Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
• Global Maritime Distress And Safety System (GMDSS)
• Standards Of Training, Certification And Watchkeeping (STCW)

Did You Know?

International Maritime Organization (IMO) first came into being in 1959.