IMLI students learn to turn IMO instruments into national law

Limited national capacity to draft strong maritime laws often undermines the effective implementation of IMO instruments, according to findings of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).

To help address this challenge, IMO's Legal Affairs Office delivered a four-day workshop on the general principles of drafting national legislation to implement IMO conventions at the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Msida, Malta (20 to 23 January).

The workshop, funded through IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), focused on a critical message: IMO conventions do not take effect automatically. For treaties to be effectively implemented, they must be transposed into domestic law through dedicated implementing legislation, backed by appropriate enforcement measures.

A total of 63 IMLI students from 30 countries took part in the training, which combined legal theory with hands-on drafting practice. Sessions ranged from an overview of IMO's mandate and treaty framework to in-depth analysis of key maritime conventions. Participants explored techniques for translating international obligations into national legislation, identifying provisions requiring primary legislation versus those suitable for subordinate regulations, and strengthening coordination among national maritime authorities.

The workshop focused on the approach used in Common Law systems and drew on the expertise of experienced legislative drafters from the United Kingdom. It was tailored for future qualified lawyers from maritime administrations, legislative advisers and policymakers, as well as officials from Attorney General's Offices, Ministries of Justice and national legislative bodies responsible for implementing IMO instruments.

IMO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States, particularly small island developing States (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs), that face challenges in establishing and updating maritime legislation, including keeping pace with amendments adopted under the tacit amendment procedure.

The workshop supports and promotes the 2026-2027 World Maritime Day theme, "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence" by helping ensure that international maritime standards are effectively implemented at national level. It was the fifth workshop delivered by IMO on this topic since 2017.