How to Use IMO GISIS: A Step-by-Step Guide for Maritime Professionals

Learn how to navigate the IMO GISIS platform step by step. This guide explains how to register, log in, and use IMO’s global database for vessel inspections, casualty reports, flag state info, and more.

Why Understanding IMO GISIS Matters in Today’s Maritime Operations

Whether you’re a port authority officer, shipowner, superintendent, flag state official, or a maritime student, information is everything. In a world where compliance is key, the ability to access accurate, up-to-date data about ships, ports, casualties, and maritime regulations can make all the difference. That’s where the IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) comes in.

Developed and maintained by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), GISIS is a secure, searchable online platform that hosts a wide range of maritime information—some of it publicly available, and some restricted to registered users.

While the system is widely used by regulators and administrators, many shipping professionals are unaware of how powerful and useful GISIS can be in their daily operations.

This article will show you—step by step—how to use GISIS effectively, how to gain access, what information you can find, and how it supports smarter decisions and safer ships.

What Is IMO GISIS?

GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) is a digital platform hosted by the International Maritime Organization to promote transparency, accountability, and compliance in the shipping industry. Launched in 2005 and continuously upgraded, GISIS integrates data submitted by IMO Member States, flag registries, recognized organizations, and port authorities.

It is accessible via:
🌐 https://gisis.imo.org

GISIS includes both public and restricted (login-only) modules. It helps users:

  • Track port state control inspections

  • Review maritime casualties and incidents

  • Verify flag state implementation performance

  • Search for recognized organizations and classification societies

  • Access environmental regulations and compliance updates

  • Submit formal reports and notifications (for authorized users)

GISIS Login and Access: Who Can Use the Platform?

Public Users

Anyone can access several GISIS modules without logging in. These are useful for basic research, case studies, or reference purposes.

Registered Users

To access full features and submit reports, users need to create a free IMO account. This is especially important for:

  • Flag State Administrators

  • Port State Control Officers

  • Classification Societies

  • Recognized Organizations

  • Academic Institutions

  • Maritime Consultants

Registration is free, but access levels vary depending on your role.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Access and Use IMO GISIS

Step 1: Register for GISIS Access

  1. Visit https://gisis.imo.org

  2. Click “Login” in the upper right corner.

  3. Select “Register” and fill in your professional details.

  4. Choose your account type: Government, Organization, or General User.

  5. Confirm your email and await approval (1–3 business days for restricted access).

🛈 Tip: Use an official email linked to your company, maritime authority, or institution for faster approval.

Step 2: Login to GISIS

Once your account is activated:

  • Go to the GISIS homepage

  • Enter your username and password

  • Click “Login” and accept the terms of use

Now you’ll see a dashboard with access to multiple information modules.

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Exploring the Main GISIS Modules

Here are the most commonly used modules, with practical explanations.

Maritime Casualties and Incidents

This module allows you to browse and analyze ship-related accidents submitted by IMO Member States. Each case file may include:

  • Casualty type (e.g., fire, grounding, pollution)

  • Location and time

  • Investigation status

  • Final reports (if available)

Use case: Marine insurers, safety auditors, and compliance officers often review these cases for trend analysis and risk profiling.

Port State Control (PSC)

This module displays:

  • Inspection reports (per MoU region)

  • Detention details and reasons

  • Ship and flag state performance indicators

  • Annual PSC statistics

Use case: Technical superintendents preparing a vessel for port calls can review PSC trends for upcoming destinations.

Flag State Performance

This critical module assesses how well IMO Member States comply with conventions such as:

  • SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)

  • MARPOL (Pollution Prevention)

  • STCW (Training and Watchkeeping)

You can compare multiple flag states based on audit reports and self-assessments.

Use case: Shipowners choosing a flag for a new vessel often rely on this data to ensure low detention risk.

Recognized Organizations (ROs)

Find updated lists of organizations recognized by IMO Member States to perform surveys, inspections, and certification.

  • Classification societies

  • Marine safety consultants

  • Environmental verification bodies

Ballast Water Management

Explore ports with ballast reception facilities and monitor compliance with the Ballast Water Management Convention.

Port Reception Facilities

Locate ports offering MARPOL-compliant waste reception, including oil, garbage, and sewage disposal.

Use case: Ship masters planning discharges can find approved reception facilities at their next port of call.

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Case Study: Using GISIS for Pre-Vetting

A chemical tanker operator preparing for vetting by an oil major used GISIS to review:

  • The vessel’s prior Port State Control history

  • Casualty records

  • Flag state performance of its current registry

  • Waste disposal facilities in the upcoming port

Outcome: The vetting process was smoother, and the operator was praised for proactive compliance awareness.

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Benefits of Using GISIS

  • Transparency: Open access to verified IMO data improves operational decision-making.

  • Compliance: Supports both pre-arrival and post-incident reporting.

  • Risk Management: Identifies high-risk flags, ports, or ship types.

  • Education: Excellent resource for maritime students, researchers, and trainers.

GISIS is also integrated into the work of Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU, USCG, and classification bodies like Lloyd’s Register, DNV, and ABS.

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Challenges and Tips for New Users

Challenge 1: Navigation Can Be Overwhelming

Tip: Start with the modules relevant to your role. Use the “Help” section in each module for guidance.

Challenge 2: Data Submission Protocols

Tip: Only authorized users (e.g., flag states) can upload data. If you’re unsure about your rights, contact IMO GISIS support.

Challenge 3: Data Lag or Missing Information

Tip: Not all incidents are reported promptly. Supplement GISIS data with third-party tools like MarineTraffic, VesselFinder, or Equasis.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is GISIS free to use?
Yes, public modules are free. For full access, create a registered account (also free, subject to role-based approval).

Can I find vessel-specific data on GISIS?
Yes, especially regarding casualties, detentions, and PSC inspections. For technical details, combine GISIS with tools like Equasis or IHS Markit.

How reliable is GISIS data?
It’s maintained by IMO and relies on official submissions from member states, so it’s authoritative. However, there may be delays in reporting.

Is GISIS available in languages other than English?
Currently, English is the main interface. Multilingual support is being considered in future updates.

Can students use GISIS for research?
Absolutely. GISIS is often used in maritime law, port state control, and marine engineering courses. Just register as a general user.

What should I do if my GISIS login doesn’t work?
Use the “Forgot Password” function or contact the IMO GISIS support team via the portal’s contact form.

Conclusion: From Information to Insight

IMO GISIS is more than just a regulatory tool. It’s a window into the health and habits of the global shipping industry. For maritime professionals, using GISIS effectively can mean fewer detentions, better audit scores, and safer voyages. For students and analysts, it offers a treasure trove of real-world data.

Whether you’re trying to verify a flag’s safety record, check for waste reception facilities at a port, or learn from past casualties—GISIS empowers you to act with confidence.

Your ship sails better when your knowledge is current—and GISIS helps you stay one step ahead.

References

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