The IMO Convention entered into force in 1958 and the new Organization met for the first time the following year.    
   
The purposes of the Organization, as summarized by Article 1(a) of the Convention, are 'to provide machinery for cooperation among Governments in the field 
of governmental regulation and practices relating to technical matters of all kinds affecting shipping engaged in international trade; to encourage and 
facilitate the general adoption of the highest practicable standards in matters concerning maritime safety, efficiency of navigation and prevention and 
control of marine pollution from ships'. The Organization is also empowered to deal with administrative and legal matters related to these purposes.