ABSTRACT
Shipping has traditionally been considered as the most environmentally friendly means of transportation. While non-compliance with maritime regulations in the shipping industry may be viewed as having the potential to generate some cost savings in the short run, such a strategy impairs the industry as a whole, and presents risks for the marine environment. Distinct legal texts adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) govern specific aspects of the protection of the marine environment from varied sources of pollutants. The work of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) supports and supplements the contribution of the IMO in many areas. The chapter focuses on the nature of the standard-setting process. In addition to the prescriptive approach, a goal-based approach to the standard-setting process has contributed to better regulations in the area of safety, including ship design, and appears to have a potential in new areas such as regulations applicable in polar waters.
