Abstract: The relevance of the study is due to the active activity of IMO in the field of ensuring the safety of navigation. The purpose of the study is to analyze this activity. Accordingly, the author analyzes the structure and objectives of the Organization, which are enshrined in the IMO Convention and considers the powers of the Maritime Safety Committee. The article also discusses current international legal acts adopted by IMO and regulating the range of issues related to the safety of maritime navigation. The subject of the study is the legal basis for the functioning of IMO in the field of ensuring the safety of maritime navigation. The object of the study is interstate relations in the field of international legal regulation of maritime safety. The methodological foundations of the research include general scientific and private scientific research methods, including: formal legal and comparative legal methods. The novelty of the research lies in the conclusions made by the author in the work. One of the main conclusions is the statement of the need to amend Article 15 of the IMO Convention in order to create for the Assembly the right to reject documents submitted by the Council. The author points to the need to expand the composition of the Council, through the adoption by States of amendments approved by Resolution A.1152 (32) of January 8, 2021. The peculiarity of some standards on the safety of maritime navigation adopted by IMO is the obligation of their implementation by all States. The author explains this fact for three reasons. Firstly, all IMO member States participate in the creation and amendment of international legal acts that enshrine standards of this kind, since they are part of the Maritime Safety Committee. Secondly, this approach excludes unequal conditions between States. Thirdly, it is aimed at reducing the number of States unwilling to adhere to the requirements established by maritime safety standards.