IMO Tackles the Administrative Burdens of Compliance

Today (Tuesday, May 7, 2013) marks the start of a six-month consultation period in which the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is seeking widespread input from industry stakeholders and the public on the administrative burdens that may result from compliance with IMO instruments.

The intention of the consultation period is to gather information from a broad spectrum of stakeholders on how to alleviate administrative burdens. The IMO says that it recognizes that some administrative requirements contained in IMO instruments may have become unnecessary, disproportionate or even obsolete, and it is committed to reducing their impact.

“There has long been a feeling in the industry that there is too much wasted paperwork,” said IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu. “This is the start of our efforts to tackle that problem. I would urge as many people as possible to take part in this consultation, as only with a strong set of data can we meaningfully identify where changes may be necessary.”

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

The consultation is open to everyone, including the general public. Particular 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;
• recognized organizations;
• shipbuilders and ship repairers; and
• shippers.

The consultation process will end on October 31, 2013. After it has been completed, a steering group established by the IMO Council will analyse the responses to identify any administrative requirements that are perceived as burdens, and will make recommendations to the Council as to how they should be addressed.

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