2. IMSO TODAY

2.1 The residual intergovernmental organization IMSO continues with 94 Parties, operating through the Assembly of Parties, its Advisory Committee (comprising a number of Member States appointed by the Assembly) and a small Directorate, headed by the Director General who is the Chief Executive Officer and legal representative of the Organization. Mr Jerzy Vonau of Poland was the first IMSO Director from 15 April 1999 to 14 April 2007. The current Director General, Captain Esteban Pacha-Vicente of Spain, was appointed by the IMSO Assembly in September 2006 and took up his office on 15 April 2007. The Assembly of Parties meets at least once every two years, and the Advisory Committee meets on a regular basis, at least twice a year.

2.2 Under the relevant provisions of the Convention, as amended, the Public Services Agreement and the Articles of Association of Inmarsat Ltd, IMSO is charged with overseeing, and under some circumstances may enforce fulfilment of the Company’s public service obligations and, in particular, GMDSS services. In performing this role, IMSO acts as the natural ally of IMO and watchdog of proper provisions and implementation of IMO’s requirements in respect of GMDSS by Inmarsat Ltd. To facilitate these functions, an Agreement of Cooperation has been concluded between IMSO and IMO. Under a similar Agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), IMSO ensures that Inmarsat Ltd. takes into account the applicable ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices in line with the Public Services Agreement and regularly informs ICAO accordingly.

2.3. Administrative Arrangements have also been signed between the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the IMSO Director General. These provide the Organization with direct access to the relevant bodies of the ITU, enabling IMSO to play an active role in the development of international telecommunication policies.