Because of the international nature of the shipping industry, it had long been recognized that action to improve safety in maritime operations would be more effective if carried out at an international level rather than by individual countries acting unilaterally and it was against this background that a conference held by the United Nations in 1948 adopted a convention establishing the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the first ever international body devoted exclusively to maritime matters.
In the 10-year period between the adoption of the convention and its entry into force in 1958, other problems related to safety but requiring slightly different emphases had attracted international attention. One of the most important of these was the threat of marine pollution from ships, particularly pollution by oil carried in tankers. An international convention on this subject was actually adopted in 1954 and responsibility for administering and promoting. It was assumed by IMO in January 1959. From the very beginning, the improvement of maritime safety and the prevention of marine pollution have been IMO's most important objectives.
In the early 2000s, maritime security became another major focus for the Organization. The overall objectives are summed up in the IMO slogan: “safe, secure and efficient shipping on clean oceans”. It is responsible for coordinating the Organization's activities in the prevention, safe transport and control of pollution of the marine environment from ships. The Legal Committee was originally established to deal with the legal problems arising from the Torrey Canyon accident of 1967, but it was subsequently made a permanent committee. It is responsible for considering any legal matters within the scope of the Organization.
The Technical Co-operation Committee is responsible for coordinating the work of the Organization in the provision of technical assistance in the maritime field, in particular to developing countries. The Facilitation Committee is responsible for IMO's activities and functions relating to the facilitation of international maritime traffic. These are aimed at reducing the formalities and simplifying the documentation required of ships when entering or leaving ports or other terminals.
All the committees of IMO are open to participation by all Member Governments on an equal basis. The IMO Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General, who is assisted by a staff of some 300 international civil servants. The Secretary-General is appointed by the Council with the approval of the Assembly. IMO has promoted the adoption of some 50 conventions and protocols and adopted more than 1,000 codes and recommendations concerning maritime safety and security, the prevention of pollution and related matters.
Although IMO has legislated IMDG Code, each countries has its own local regulations which are not correspond with the code and we still experience much incidents at ocean. Therefore, it is extremely important to transport dangerous goods by sea in a safe way for the human-being and nature under united IMDG code. Finally, I hope this essay and IMDG Code are utilized for those who work in the filed of sea transport, chemical, & even competent authorities for the reference.