How an IMO convention enters into force and how it is amended ?

One thing that no seafarer can avoid is to not to deal with IMO conventions. IMO conventions run the shipping trade. Now try saying that ten times. But seriously, without all these IMO conventions there would be many more accidents there would be much more pollution, and there would be many more sub-standard ships I say this even when I am of the opinion that few of the IMO conventions are poorly implemented in the industry. But for we seafarers who are not maritime lawyers, the process of IMO conventions confuse us. After all, there are so many terms associated with the IMO conventions. Protocol, code, resolution, treaty, convention, circulars, amendments and much more. Confusing right? Well, I am not writing this post to define all these terms. I have already written on a couple of these terms in my earlier posts. Few of these posts are here for quick reference. Understanding IMO Conventions, Resolutions, and Circulars Treaty and Convention, How These Two Are Different? What is the difference between a Convention and a protocol? What the difference between a treaty and a convention? But what I am here to discuss today is the process birth of an IMO convention and how and when it is amended. Let us start. Need for a new IMO conventions Before we discuss a...