The Convention establishing the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was adopted in Geneva in 1948 and IMO first met in 1959. IMO's main task has been to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit today includes safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping.
A specialized agency of the United Nations with 167 Member States and three Associate Members, IMO is based in the United Kingdom with around 300 international staff.
IMO Member States with year of joining (alll smaller than Wales) include:
Luxemborg 1991
Montenegro 2006
San Marino 2002
IMO Associate Members with year of joining include:
Hong Kong, China 1967
Macao, China 1990
The Faroe Islands, Denmark 2002
A Welsh Government as a minimum should be applying for IMO Associate Members status, just as the Faroe Islands have achieved to ensure Welsh interests are represented.