IMO embarks on 6mnths consultation on admin burdens

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has kicked off a six-month consultation period to seek widespread input on the administrative burdens that results from compliance with IMO instruments.

According to IMO, the aim is to gather data from a broad spectrum of stakeholders from which recommendations on how to alleviate administrative burdens can be developed. This is because some of the administrative requirements contained in IMO instruments have become unnecessary, disproportionate or even obsolete.

This, says IMO, would not only be beneficial but would help to release resources that could be channelled towards the organization’s overall goals of improving safety and security in shipping and reducing its negative impact on the environment.

The consultation process is being carried out through a dedicated website, which is accessible from the IMO website. It offers practical information and guidance to participants in the consultation and includes a questionnaire to be filled in and submitted electronically.

The consultation target groups are all maritime stakeholders including: companies and owners; governments, in their capacity as party to conventions, flag, port or coastal state; manufacturers and equipment suppliers; maritime administrations; masters and ships’ crew; port authorities; recognised organizations; shipbuilders and ship repairers; and shippers