Council

The Council is the executive organ of the IMO, elected by the Assembly for two-year terms and meeting twice yearly. Its 40 members are chosen in three categories: states with the largest interest in providing shipping services, states with the largest interest in seaborne trade, and states elected to ensure geographic representation. The Council supervises the organization between Assembly sessions, appoints the Secretary-General subject to Assembly approval, and grants consultative status to non-governmental organizations.