The Republic of Kiribati has become a Member of IMO following its deposit, on 28 October 2003, of an instrument of acceptance of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization, as amended, with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

With the accession of Kiribati, the number of IMO Member States stands at 163, with three Associate Members, which are: Faroe Islands (Denmark); Hong Kong (China); and Macao (China).

IMO - the International Maritime Organization - is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.

Web site: www.imo.org

For further information please contact:
Lee Adamson, Senior External Relations Officer on 020 7587 3153 (media@imo.org) or
Natasha Brown, External Relatiions Officer on 020 7587 3274 (media@imo.org ).