International Maritime Organisation
Conventions
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is responsible for more than 50 international conventions. Visit a list of IMO Conventions and find their associated protocols and amendments.
IMO Conventions to which Australia is a signatory are available from the Australian Treaties database or the Australian Treaties Library.
Codes and other publications
Consolidated copies of IMO codes and other publications may be purchased directly from the IMO or through specialist maritime book outlets in Australia.
Publications may also be available from a library in Australia. Search by title or subject in Trove to look for publications in Australian libraries.
Resolutions
IMO resolutions are formal decisions, policies or amendments adopted by the IMO's Assembly, Council or committees, such as the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) or the Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). They define international standards for ship safety, security and environmental protection, often amending major conventions like the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) or the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). IMO resolutions are publicly available on the IMO website.
- Click on Knowledge Centre
- Navigate to Index of IMO Resolutions
- Select the relevant committee or organ (e.g. Assembly, MEPC or MSC)
- Scroll to the relevant resolution number.
Circulars
IMO circulars are official documents issued by the IMO to provide guidance, interpretations and recommendations on maritime safety, security and environmental protection. They help implement conventions, offering technical clarifications, best practices and updates. IMO circulars are available on the IMODOCS application accessible by registering for a public account on the IMO website.
Global Integrated Shipping Information System
The Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) is IMO’s database providing centralised, online access to maritime data submitted by member states. It is a critical tool for enhancing maritime safety, security and environmental compliance by offering modules on topics such as port reception facilities, piracy, casualties and ship emissions. Access to GISIS is available by registering for a public account on the IMO website.
Other organisations
Publications are available from the following organisation's websites:
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
A printed copy can also be purchased directly from the organisation or through specialist maritime book outlets in Australia.
To borrow a copy of a publication from an Australian library, search for the title in Trove.
Standards
Australian Standards
Australian Standards can be purchased online from Intertek Inform.
- Enter the code (e.g. IEC 60331-1 Ed 1.0 2009-5) in the search.
- Select the product and process using the information provided.
Printed copies of all Australian Standards are available in the National Library of Australia and the State Library of NSW.
International Electrotechnical Committee and International Standards Organisation standards
International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) standards and International Standards Organization (ISO) standards can be purchased online from Intertek Inform.
- Enter the code (eg. IEC 60331-1 Ed 1.0 2009-5) in the search.
- Select the product and process using the information provided.
Limited numbers of IEC and ISO standards are available in print format at the National Library of Australia and some state libraries. Contact your state library for availability.