oceans cover approximately of the earths surface and as individual activities that damage the oceans can be felt beyond national borders responsibility for the oceans health rests with all of us while ships traversing oceans are only one of many ocean activities the shipping industry is one of the most visible industries taking place on the oceans at imo we need to ensure that shipping continues to make its significant contribution to the global economy without upsetting the delicate balance between safe and secure shipping and protecting the marine environment