IMO Chief Demands Stronger Enforcement of Maritime Safety Rules Amid Strait of Hormuz Security Crisis

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called on governments, flag administrations and shipping companies to take stronger action against unsafe shipping practices in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

With commercial vessels continuing to face security threats in the region, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has warned that regulatory violations, fraudulent vessel registrations and non-compliance with international safety conventions are creating additional risks for seafarers and maritime operations.

The message is clear: geopolitical instability cannot become an excuse for ignoring international maritime regulations.

Main Article

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has urged IMO Member States to strengthen enforcement of international maritime safety and security requirements in the Strait of Hormuz.

His statement comes amid continuing attacks against commercial vessels operating in and around one of the world's most strategically important shipping corridors.

Dominguez stressed that international maritime conventions exist to protect ships, seafarers and the marine environment, and that compliance must be properly monitored and enforced.

He also expressed concern over reports of vessels transiting the region without meeting basic requirements under international treaties, particularly the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

Growing concerns over unsafe shipping practices

The IMO chief highlighted several practices that are undermining maritime safety and regulatory oversight in the region.

These include:

• Substandard vessels: Ships operating without adequately meeting required technical, safety or operational standards.
• Concealed vessel identities: Ships covering or concealing their IMO identification numbers, making vessel identification and monitoring more difficult.
• Fraudulent registration: Vessels operating under false flags or using questionable registration arrangements.
• Regulatory non-compliance: Ships continuing commercial operations without properly meeting applicable international safety requirements.

These practices create additional challenges for maritime authorities attempting to identify vessels, establish accountability and enforce international regulations.

The IMO's concerns are particularly significant in a region where security threats already place considerable pressure on commercial shipping operations.

Responsibility extends across flag, port and coastal States

Dominguez has called on governments to exercise their responsibilities under applicable IMO conventions and international law.

He specifically highlighted the roles of three groups of maritime authorities:

Flag States: Responsible for ensuring that ships registered under their flags comply with international safety and environmental requirements.

Port States: Expected to inspect visiting vessels and take appropriate action when deficiencies or regulatory violations are identified.

Coastal States: Responsible for exercising their relevant jurisdiction and maritime enforcement powers in accordance with international law.

The IMO's position is that enforcement must be coordinated and consistent rather than allowing unsafe vessels to continue operating through regulatory gaps.

Warning to shipowners and commercial operators

The Secretary-General also directed a strong message towards the commercial shipping industry.

He urged shipowners and operators to avoid commercial activities in the Strait of Hormuz when those operations expose seafarers to unacceptable risks.

This places renewed emphasis on the responsibility of shipping companies to evaluate security threats before approving voyages.

For vessel operators, commercial considerations must be balanced against crew safety, vessel condition, insurance requirements and the latest maritime security information.

A vessel's compliance with international conventions is not simply an administrative obligation. It is a fundamental part of protecting everyone onboard.

IMO calls for a political solution

Beyond operational enforcement, Dominguez stressed the need to address the underlying causes of the regional conflict.

He noted that instability in the Strait of Hormuz has consequences extending far beyond shipping, contributing to higher living costs for millions of people worldwide.

Following a recent decision by the IMO Council, he also encouraged Member States to pursue political solutions that would restore a single, safe and internationally recognised framework for navigation through the Strait.

The objective is to preserve the internationally recognised rights and freedoms of navigation while ensuring that commercial shipping can operate under consistent and predictable rules.

Why this matters

• For seafarers: The IMO's warning reinforces that crew safety must take priority over commercial schedules. Seafarers operating in high-risk waters need effective emergency procedures, security assessments and appropriate company support.
• For shipowners and operators: Companies must carefully evaluate vessel compliance, flag registration, insurance exposure and regional security conditions before authorising voyages through the Strait.
• For flag and port States: Stronger inspections, vessel identification and enforcement measures are essential to prevent substandard and fraudulently registered ships from exploiting regulatory weaknesses.
• For global shipping and trade: Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz can affect energy transportation, freight costs, insurance premiums and international supply chains, ultimately impacting consumers and businesses worldwide.

Conclusion

The IMO's message highlights an important principle: maritime security and regulatory compliance must go hand in hand, particularly in conflict-affected waters.

Restoring confidence in the Strait of Hormuz will require stronger enforcement, responsible commercial decisions and a political solution that protects freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.