International Maritime Organization’s (IMOs) 34th biennial Assembly started last week and finishes on Wednesday 3rd December 2025. The delegations send their most senior members and are invited to review the Organization’s work during the last two years and to formally adopt the revised Strategic Plan for the period 2024-2029.
A highlight of the first week was the presentation of the IMO awards. The 2025 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea was awarded to Mr Lee Tae-young who was an officer onboard the fishing vessel 135 Geumseongho who put his own life at risk in order to save others. Various Certificates of Commendation and Letters of Commendation were also announced for acts of bravery at sea.
Significantly, the Assembly elected the 40 members of the IMOs Council. The Council directs the technical committees that work on our maritime regulations, codes, conventions and guidelines”.
IFSMA was represented by outgoing Secretary General Commodore Jim Scorer and his successor Captain Andrew (Andy) Cook. We were honoured to be joined by IFSMA member Captain Stanislav Nezavitin who is President of the Odesa Shipmasters’ Association in Ukraine. Stanislav is pictured with Andy during the IMO Assembly.