# UNV31-32 - 1983 Safety at Sea
The International Maritime organization (I.M.O.) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It was the first international organization to deal exclusively with maritime affairs. Its goals are to establish international shipping regulations designed to raise safety standards and prevent pollution from ships. About 130 countries belong to the I.M.O., whose headquarters are in London.
The International Maritime organization (I.M.O.) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It was the first international organization to deal exclusively with maritime affairs. Its goals are to establish international shipping regulations designed to raise safety standards and prevent pollution from ships. About 130 countries belong to the I.M.O., whose headquarters are in London.