Which international organization sets safety and environmental standards for tankers?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping. Its primary purpose is to develop and maintain a comprehensive framework for the regulatory situation of international shipping. By setting safety and environmental standards specifically for tankers, the IMO plays a vital role in enhancing maritime safety and preventing marine pollution.

Through various conventions and guidelines, the IMO establishes structural and operational standards that all member states are encouraged to adopt and implement. For example, key conventions such as MARPOL address environmental safety, while the SOLAS convention focuses on safety at sea for all vessels, including tankers. This makes the IMO the central authority when it comes to developing international standards that mitigate risks associated with tanker operations, ensuring both safety and environmental protection.

Other organizations, while influential in their respective areas, do not have the same level of regulatory authority or broad focus on safety and environmental standards for tankers as the IMO does.