The International Maritime Organization, IMO, has audited a hundred of its member states – Finland’s turn is in October 2024

The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) commenced as a voluntary Scheme in 2006. The IMSAS aims to promote the consistent and effective implementation of applicable IMO instruments and assist Member States to improve their seafaring administration. The audits became mandatory on 1 January 2016.

‘At the moment, we have audited 109 member states. The remaining member states of the 175 in total will be audited by the end of 2024. After this, another seven-year audit cycle starts. IMO aims to use the auditing to provide its member states with an objective view of the functionality of their seafaring administration. This is an opportunity to receive feedback on how Finland has succeeded, and to develop in relation to the other member states,’ says Senior Specialist Hanna Suutarla, national contact person for IMSAS auditing. 

An extensive group responsible for the seafaring management assignments in Finland – close cooperation required

In Finland, the assignments of seafaring administration are divided among several ministries and offices, due to the extensiveness of international seafaring legislation and the national organisation of its implementation. The Ministry of Transport and Communications has founded a working group for the preparation for and coordination of the audit. The group includes members from the various sectors of seafaring administration.

‘Close national cooperation between the various administrative branches is an absolute requirement, if we are to do well in the audit. I have been happy to note the active and development-positive attitude within the working group preparing for the seafaring administration audit,’ says Chief Adviser in seafaring, Juha-Matti Korsi, who also acts as the chair of the working group.

The International Maritime Organization IMO aims to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair, effective and universally implemented, and that promotes safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient and sustainable shipping. The member states have the primary responsibility to implement IMO’s regulations in their national legislation and establish and maintain an adequate and effective system to discharge their obligations as flag, port and/or coastal States emanating from applicable international law.