Answer
How a Convention Comes into Force: An IMO committee drafts the regulatory framework. It is then adopted by the IMO Assembly or a diplomatic conference. It only enters into force globally after a specific criteria of ratifications is met (i.e., accepted by a mandatory minimum number of States representing a specified percentage of the world's gross merchant tonnage).
Treaty vs. Agreement:
A Treaty is a formal, legally binding international architecture under international law that creates sweeping obligations (e.g., SOLAS, MARPOL).
An Agreement is often less formal, dealing with narrower technical scopes, localized arrangements, or operational understandings within an overarching treaty framework.
2. IMO Structure, Slogan, and Instruments
IMO Structure: Comprises the Assembly (all member states, meets once every 2 years), the Council (executive organ managing strategy), and 5 core Technical Committees:
MSC (Maritime Safety Committee)
MEPC (Marine Environment Protection Committee)
Legal Committee
Technical Cooperation Committee
Facilitation Committee (FAL)
IMO Slogan: "Safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans."
Non-Mandatory Instruments: Circulars, guidelines, resolutions, and performance recommendations that provide guidance but lack standalone enforcement teeth unless explicitly adopted into national legislation or integrated via a mandatory code.
3. Required Documentation: IMO vs. UNCLOS
As per IMO Instruments (SOLAS/MARPOL/Loadline): Certificate of Registry, International Tonnage Certificate, Minimum Safe Manning Document, Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR), Document of Compliance (DoC), Safety Management Certificate (SMC), International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate, and the Engine Room Logbook.
As per UNCLOS: Focuses on jurisdictional/sovereign identification: Proof of National Flag Registration, Ship's Official Logbook, documents establishing nationality, and crew list validating state jurisdiction over the mobile maritime unit.