← All questionsGS2 · 2023 · International Relations ·IMO: Protecting the Marine Environment and Maritime Safety
QUESTION 20
GS2
15 marks

“Sea is an important Component of the Cosmos” Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security

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11 min
250 words
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What the examiner wants

Using the idea that the sea is vital to the planet, discuss how the International Maritime Organization protects the marine environment and improves safety and security at sea.

DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Why the sea matters: climate regulation, biodiversity, about 80% of world trade by volume≈50 words
  2. 2Environment: MARPOL (oil, sewage, garbage, air emissions), Ballast Water Management Convention, IMO's 2023 GHG strategy (net-zero around 2050), sulphur cap 2020≈50 words
  3. 3Safety and security: SOLAS, STCW, ISPS Code (port security), anti-piracy measures (Djibouti Code of Conduct)≈50 words
  4. 4India's role: IMO Council member, Indian Navy anti-piracy deployments, Merchant Shipping Act updates≈50 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

Sea's importanceIMO mandateEnvironment conventionsSafety and security conventionsGaps (enforcement by flag states)IndiaConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Writing about the sea in general without naming IMO conventions
  • Covering environment and skipping safety and security, or the reverse

Draw this

  • Table: convention → year → purpose

Value addition

  • ConventionMARPOL (1973/78) is the main convention against ship-source pollution; its Annex VI 2020 rule cut fuel sulphur limit to 0.5%.International Maritime Organization
  • PolicyIMO's 2023 Revised GHG Strategy targets net-zero emissions from international shipping by or around 2050.International Maritime Organization, MEPC 80

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