IMO Conventions & Publications
Browse International Maritime Organization conventions, codes, resolutions, and circulars. SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ISM Code, MLC 2006, COLREGS and all IMO instruments in one place.
Core IMO Conventions
IA110E
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
- ›Chapter I — General Provisions
- ›Chapter II-1 — Construction
- ›Chapter II-2 — Fire Protection
- ›Chapter III — Life-saving Appliances
- +7 more chapters →
IA520E
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
- ›Annex I — Oil
- ›Annex II — Noxious Liquid Substances
- ›Annex III — Harmful Substances (Packaged Form)
- ›Annex IV — Sewage
- +2 more chapters →
IA938E
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
- ›Chapter I — General Provisions
- ›Chapter II — Master and Deck Department
- ›Chapter III — Engine Department
- ›Chapter IV — Radio Personnel
- +4 more chapters →
ILO MLC
Maritime Labour Convention
- ›Title 1 — Minimum Requirements
- ›Title 2 — Conditions of Employment
- ›Title 3 — Accommodation & Recreational Facilities
- ›Title 4 — Health Protection & Social Security
- +1 more chapters →
IA172E
Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
- ›Part A — General
- ›Part B — Steering and Sailing Rules
- ›Part C — Lights and Shapes
- ›Part D — Sound and Light Signals
- +2 more chapters →
IA117E
International Safety Management Code
- ›Section 1 — General
- ›Section 2 — Safety & Environmental Policy
- ›Section 3 — Company Responsibilities
- ›Section 4 — Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
- +5 more chapters →
Resolutions & Circulars
MSC Resolutions
Maritime Safety Committee resolutions on SOLAS, fire safety, LSA, navigation, and structural matters.
MEPC Resolutions
Marine Environment Protection Committee resolutions on MARPOL amendments, GHG, ballast water, and anti-fouling.
Assembly Resolutions
IMO Assembly resolutions establishing global maritime policies and governance frameworks.
MSC Circulars
Guidance circulars from the Maritime Safety Committee clarifying SOLAS application.
MEPC Circulars
Marine Environment Protection Committee guidance on MARPOL implementation.
BLG / PPR
Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response documents.
Recent Resolutions
| Reference | Title | Committee | Adopted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSC.521(106) | Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1 — Damage stability (2023) | MSC | Nov 2023 |
| MEPC.377(80) | Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI — 2023 IMO Strategy on GHG Emissions | MEPC | Jul 2023 |
| MSC.514(105) | Amendments to SOLAS Chapter V — e-navigation framework | MSC | May 2023 |
| MEPC.328(76) | Amendments to MARPOL Annex I — Prohibition on use of HFO in Arctic | MEPC | Jun 2021 |
| MSC.474(102) | Amendments to SOLAS — New chapter XV on MODUs | MSC | Nov 2020 |
| A.1135(31) | Revised guidelines on the implementation of the ISM Code | Assembly | Dec 2019 |
IMO Document Reference Structure
Frequently Asked Questions
What are IMO e-Publications?
IMO e-Publications are the official digital versions of International Maritime Organization conventions, codes, resolutions and guidelines. Key publications include SOLAS (IA110E), MARPOL (IA520E), STCW (IA938E), ISM Code (IA117E), and COLREGS (IA172E).
What is the difference between an IMO resolution and a circular?
An IMO resolution (e.g., MSC.521(106)) is formally adopted by a committee and amends or supplements conventions. A circular (e.g., MSC.1/Circ.1432) provides guidance, unified interpretations, or recommendations on how to apply existing regulations.
How do I read an IMO document reference?
IMO references follow standard patterns: MSC.[number](session) for MSC resolutions, MEPC.[number](session) for MEPC resolutions, A.[number](session) for Assembly resolutions, and MSC.1/Circ.[number] for MSC circulars. The session number in parentheses indicates which committee session adopted it.
What is the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy?
The revised 2023 IMO GHG Strategy (MEPC.377(80)) commits to net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. It sets indicative checkpoints of 20–30% reduction by 2030 and 70–80% reduction by 2040 relative to 2008 levels, and introduces new short-term measures including EEXI, CII and SEEMP Part III requirements.
About This Page
Information compiled by the HeyMariner maritime intelligence team with expertise in IMO regulations, NAVAREA coordination, and maritime safety. Data sourced from official IMO publications, NGA MSI, and flag state administrations. Last reviewed: 2026.