The IMO has called on member states to step up enforcement against ships operating under false flags and other unsafe practices in the Strait of Hormuz.
“There are too many cases of ships transiting the Strait without complying with fundamental provisions of treaties such as the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS),” Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of IMO, said.
He expressed concern over reports of substandard vessels, ships concealing their IMO numbers and vessels continuing to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite being fraudulently registered or operating under false flags.
“IMO’s technical and operational regulations are there to protect seafarers, ships and the marine environment. They must be respected and enforced effectively,” Dominguez said.
He called on flag, port and relevant coastal States to exercise their responsibilities under IMO conventions and take action against violations within their respective jurisdictions and in accordance with international law.
“I strongly urge shipowners and operators to refrain from commercial activities in the Strait that expose seafarers to unacceptable risks,” he said.
Dominguez also urged governments to address the root causes of the conflict, noting that it had increased the cost of living for millions of people worldwide.
Following recent decisions by the IMO Council, he called on member states to pursue political solutions to restore a “single, safe and internationally recognised framework” for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while preserving freedom of navigation.
