According to a recent publication by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Dr. Rosalie Balkin has been awarded the esteemed International Maritime Prize for her remarkable contributions to maritime law and governance.
The award ceremony took place in London on November 24, 2025, coinciding with the opening of the 34th session of the IMO Assembly, which runs until December 3, 2025. Nominated by Australia’s government, Dr. Balkin was recognized for her groundbreaking achievements as the first female Secretary-General of the Comité Maritime International (CMI), an organization dedicated to harmonizing international maritime law since its inception in 1897.
During the event, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez presented Dr. Balkin with a silver dolphin trophy and praised her extensive career spanning over fifty years: “Her dedication exemplifies excellence and integrity while significantly advancing global maritime interests,” he remarked.
In her acceptance speech, Dr. Balkin expressed gratitude for being able to contribute to such vital work within IMO: “I feel incredibly fortunate to have engaged in this field that I am passionate about,” she stated.
Dr. Balkin’s journey began in academia where she held positions at prestigious institutions including Wits University in South Africa and Cambridge University in England. Her scholarly work encompasses public international law and maritime regulations; notably, she served as Academic Coordinator for “The IMLI Treatise on Global Ocean Governance,” published by Oxford University Press.
A two-time member of the Board of Governors at World Maritime University (WMU), she currently advises on ethical issues as Ethics Officer under WMU’s President.
From 1998 to 2013, Dr. Balkin made history as IMO’s first female Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations Division before becoming Assistant Secretary-General from 2011-2013-another milestone achievement for women in leadership roles within this sector.
Her tenure saw significant advancements through various diplomatic conferences that resulted in crucial conventions aimed at enhancing safety standards and environmental protections across international waters:
An advocate for Australia’s maritime sector throughout her career, Dr. Balkin has held key positions within public service roles including serving as Primary Legal Adviser to Australia’s Commonwealth Ombudsman and leading legal delegations at international forums like those organized by IMO’s Legal Committee where she was elected Vice Chair back in ’93.
A member of Australia’s Australian Maritime Safety Authority board from 2018-2021 further underscores her dedication; additionally honored as an Officer of the Order of Australia for outstanding service towards shipping standards globally illustrates her impact beyond national borders.
Caring deeply about seafarers’ rights led Dr.Balkins’ involvement with Seafarers’ Rights International-a group advocating fair treatment within this essential workforce segment worldwide-demonstrating yet another facet of her commitment to improving conditions across industries reliant upon sea transport.
The annual presentation recognizes individuals or organizations making substantial contributions toward achieving objectives set forth by IMOs mission statement while also providing financial support alongside symbolic dolphin sculptures awarded each year.
