Which organization is responsible for setting international safety standards for ships?

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping. This includes setting international safety standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships to ensure the safety of life at sea, prevent marine pollution from ships, and enhance the efficiency of shipping operations.

The IMO plays a critical role in promoting maritime safety and is recognized globally for its work in establishing conventions and guidelines that member states are encouraged to adopt. This includes well-known regulations such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Other organizations mentioned, like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Shipping Federation (ISF), focus on different aspects of health and advocacy in the maritime industry, while the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) primarily deals with aids to navigation and their standards, which do not encompass the broader spectrum of maritime safety regulations established by the IMO. Thus, the IMO is distinctly the key body in setting international safety standards for ships.