Status of Treaties in IMO GISIS

Why the Status of Treaties Matters in International Shipping

International shipping operates under a complex system of global rules developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These rules are adopted as international conventions, such as SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, COLREG, and many others. Together, they form the legal backbone of maritime safety, environmental protection, security, and seafarer welfare.

However, an important reality is often misunderstood outside legal and regulatory circles:
an IMO convention does not automatically apply worldwide simply because it exists.

For an IMO convention to become legally binding on a State, that State must:

  • Formally ratify, accept, approve, or accede to the convention

  • Bring the convention into force through national legal and administrative measures

As a result, the applicability of IMO rules can vary by:

  • Flag State

  • Port State

  • Coastal State

  • Convention and protocol version

Understanding which States are Parties to which IMO instruments is essential for shipowners, operators, inspectors, policymakers, legal professionals, educators, and researchers.

To provide transparency and authoritative information on this issue, the IMO maintains the “Status of Treaties” module within the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).

This article provides a comprehensive introduction and practical guide to the Status of Treaties option in GISIS. It explains what treaty status means, how ratification works, what information is available in GISIS, and why this module is fundamental for correct interpretation and application of international maritime law.

Understanding GISIS and Its Legal Reference Function

What Is the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System?

The IMO GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) is an online platform managed by the International Maritime Organization that provides transparent and reliable data on ships, companies, flag States, and maritime compliance. It brings together information on safety, security, pollution prevention, port State control, and casualty reports in one place. For seafarers, maritime professionals, researchers, and regulators, IMO GISIS is a trusted tool to check vessel records, track compliance with IMO conventions, and understand global shipping performance. Its free public access supports safer seas, better regulation, and informed decision-making across the maritime industry.

The Status of Treaties module is the primary legal reference point within GISIS for determining the applicability of IMO conventions.

What Does “Status of Treaties” Mean?

Definition in the IMO Context

The status of a treaty refers to:

  • Whether a State has signed a convention

  • Whether it has ratified, accepted, approved, or acceded to it

  • Whether the convention is in force for that State

  • Which versions, protocols, or amendments apply

In simple terms, it answers the question:
“Is this convention legally binding on this State?”

Signature vs Ratification

A common misunderstanding is that signature alone is enough. In reality:

  • Signature shows political intent

  • Ratification / acceptance / accession creates legal obligation

GISIS focuses on legal status, not political intention.

Why the Status of Treaties Is Critical for Shipping

Legal Certainty for Ships and Companies

Ships operate under:

  • The law of their flag State

  • The control of port States

  • The requirements of coastal States

If a State is not party to a convention:

  • Certain requirements may not apply

  • Enforcement powers may differ

  • Legal obligations may change

Incorrect assumptions can lead to:

  • Non-compliance

  • Detention

  • Legal disputes

Fair and Consistent Enforcement

Port State Control authorities must know:

  • Which conventions apply to which ships

  • Which protocols are in force for the flag State

  • Which amendments are legally binding

The Status of Treaties module supports uniform enforcement.

Legal Instruments Covered in the Status of Treaties Module

Core IMO Conventions

The module covers the status of major IMO instruments, including:

  • SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)

  • MARPOL (Marine Pollution Prevention)

  • STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)

  • COLREG (Collision Regulations)

  • Load Line Convention

Environmental and Liability Conventions

It also includes conventions such as:

  • Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention

  • Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS) Convention

  • Hong Kong Ship Recycling Convention

  • CLC, FUND, Bunkers, and HNS Conventions

Protocols and Amendments

GISIS distinguishes between:

  • Original conventions

  • Later protocols (e.g. MARPOL 73/78)

  • Amendments with different entry-into-force dates

This distinction is legally crucial.

Purpose of the Status of Treaties Module in GISIS

Core Objectives

The Status of Treaties module aims to:

  • Provide an authoritative list of treaty participation

  • Clarify which IMO instruments apply to which States

  • Support correct legal interpretation

  • Reduce ambiguity in compliance and enforcement

It is a legal reference tool, not an interpretative or advisory system.

What Information Is Available in the GISIS Status of Treaties Module?

Types of Information Provided

For each IMO instrument, the module typically shows:

  • List of States Parties

  • Date of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession

  • Date of entry into force for each State

  • Applicable protocols or versions

This information is maintained by the IMO Secretariat.

Who Uses the Status of Treaties Module?

Flag State Administrations

Flag States use the module to:

  • Verify international obligations

  • Align national legislation

  • Prepare for IMO audits (IMSAS)

Port State Control Authorities

PSC officers use it to:

  • Confirm convention applicability

  • Apply correct inspection regimes

  • Avoid unlawful enforcement

Shipowners and Operators

Operators rely on treaty status to:

  • Understand compliance obligations

  • Plan fleet certification

  • Manage regulatory risk

Legal Professionals and Insurers

Lawyers and insurers use GISIS to:

  • Determine applicable law

  • Assess liability regimes

  • Support claims and dispute resolution

How to Access the Status of Treaties Module in GISIS

Step 1: Access the GISIS Platform

Users access GISIS through the IMO website.

Step 2: Select “Status of Treaties”

From the list of GISIS modules, users select Status of Treaties.

Step 3: Search by Convention or State

Users can:

  • Select a specific IMO convention

  • View the list of States Parties

  • Check entry-into-force dates

Importance for Compliance and Certification

Certificates Depend on Treaty Status

Many ship certificates are issued only if:

  • The flag State is party to the convention

  • The relevant protocol is in force

Examples include:

  • Safety Construction Certificates (SOLAS)

  • IOPP Certificates (MARPOL)

  • BWM Certificates

Avoiding Regulatory Conflicts

Misunderstanding treaty status can lead to:

  • Invalid certification

  • Detentions

  • Insurance complications

GISIS reduces this risk.

Relationship with Other GISIS Modules

The Status of Treaties module underpins almost all other GISIS sections, including:

  • Port State Control – enforcement scope

  • Survey and Certification – statutory basis

  • Recognized Organizations – delegation authority

  • IMSAS and III Code – audit applicability

  • Oil Pollution Compensation & HNS – liability regimes

It is the legal foundation layer of GISIS.

Common Misunderstandings About Treaty Status

“IMO Rules Apply to All Ships Everywhere”

This is false.
IMO rules apply only where States are Parties.

“Amendments Apply Automatically”

Amendments may:

  • Enter into force at different times

  • Be accepted under tacit or explicit procedures

GISIS clarifies these timelines.

Best Practices for Using the Status of Treaties Module

  • Always verify treaty status before applying rules

  • Check both the convention and protocol version

  • Use GISIS as the primary reference, not secondary summaries

  • Combine with flag State circulars and PSC guidance

Educational Value for Maritime Training and Academia

For maritime education, this module provides:

  • Practical understanding of treaty law

  • Insight into how international law becomes binding

  • Real-world examples of regulatory diversity

It is especially useful in courses on:

  • Maritime law

  • International regulation

  • Port State Control

  • Maritime administration

Status of Treaties and the Future of Maritime Governance

Expanding Global Participation

Over time:

  • Ratification rates increase

  • Regulatory gaps narrow

  • Global standards strengthen

GISIS documents this progress transparently.

Importance for Emerging Regulations

As new conventions emerge (e.g. decarbonisation measures):

  • Treaty status will again determine applicability

  • GISIS will remain essential for legal clarity

Conclusion: Knowing the Law Before Enforcing the Law

The Status of Treaties option in the IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information System is one of the most fundamental—but often underestimated—components of maritime governance.

By clearly showing which States are legally bound by which IMO instruments, this module ensures that:

  • Compliance is correctly understood

  • Enforcement is lawful and fair

  • Legal disputes are reduced

  • International cooperation is strengthened

For administrations, shipowners, inspectors, legal professionals, educators, researchers, and students, the GISIS Status of Treaties module provides a single, authoritative source of truth for the legal applicability of international maritime conventions.

In a global industry governed by law, knowing which law applies is the first step toward safe, secure, and sustainable shipping.

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