11 The IMO, the Audit Scheme, and Its Role in Global Ocean Governance

Abstract

This chapter explains the origins, aims and structure of the compulsory IMO Audit Scheme recently adopted in the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Scheme was originally trialled in the IMO on a voluntary basis. The results of the trial, in which several IMO Member States offered themselves for audit, was so positive that any remaining opposition to compulsory audit was soon overcome. The aim of the audits is not to ‘name and shame’ countries which are found to be wanting in terms of compliance with their IMO treaty obligations. Rather, it was conceived as a tool that could assist Member States in identifying any shortcomings in their legal and administrative regimes and in suggesting what further actions need to be taken to overcome these deficiencies.