1969, Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) 10th Anniversary Stamp
This stamp was issued in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO). The Convention establishing the IMCO was adopted at an international conference held in Geneva in 1948. IMCO – or International Maritime Organisation (IMO), as it is known since 1982 – first convened in 1959 at its headquarters in London. The IMO's primary purpose is to develop and maintain the regulatory framework to ensure shipping is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally friendly.
India became a member state in 1959. In 1969, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the IMO. The stamp marked a decade of IMO's efforts in promoting maritime safety, efficiency, and cooperation among nations. In 2023, India was re-elected to the IMO Council for the period of 2024–25.
Photo: IMO
The picture depicts Mr. Chandrika Prasad Srivastava, Secretary-General of the IMO between 1974 – 1989. During this period, in 1982, IMCO became the IMO.
Mr. Chandrika Prasad Srivastava was a civil servant and maritime leader who began his career in the Indian Administrative Service, serving in various capacities, including as Joint Secretary to Prime Minister Mr. Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Mr. Chandrika Prasad Srivastava played a pivotal role in establishing maritime training institutions post-Independence which contributed to boosting India’s shipping. As the Founder Chief Executive of the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), he transformed it into what is still, as of 2025, India's largest shipping company. Mr. Chandrika Prasad Srivastava leadership also led to the development and adoption of key IMO conventions, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation (OPRC), and the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC).
Mr. Chandrika Prasad Srivastava founded the World Maritime University as well as the IMO International Maritime Law Institute. His tenure saw significant amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the introduction of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System. In recognition of his service, Mr. Chandrika Prasad Srivastava was honoured with the title of Honorary Knight Commander (KCMG) by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II in 1990, the IMO International Maritime Prize in 1991, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award in 2005, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2009.
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