Role of International Maritime Organization in Prevention of Pollution by Dumping of Wastes: A Case Study of London Convention

Marine pollution has long been cited as one of the priorities and high-level goals of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with marine pollution by dumping of wastes being considered one of the most important issues raised by IMO. The present study seeks to study the performance of IMO as the authority in charge. Overall, IMO has paved the ground for tackling different types of marine pollution through changing its structure and bringing it in line with the objectives stipulated in its statute. The establishment of the Marine Environment Protection Committee and the subsequent formation of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response clearly demonstrate IMO's special emphasis on combating different types of pollution, particularly pollution by dumping of wastes. In addition, drafting and ratifying the special Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (London Convention) and its Protocol has greatly helped concentrate efforts aimed at fighting this type of pollution. The Convention and its Protocol govern waste disposal control through implementing supervisory programs. Moreover, the Convention initially targeted disposal of a certain type of waste and further narrowed the scope of the regime gradually, which led to further protection of the marine environment and marine interests, including marine economic interests. Overall, the London Convention and its protocol have made waste disposal pollution the focus of the maritime community and provided appropriate legal tools to control and prevent this type of pollution.