The Institute is administered under the supervision, control and direction of a Governing Board. The teaching at IMLI is undertaken by the Resident Faculty consisting of a Director anda full time international staff. Their work is complemented by a number of visiting fellows who lecture on the latest developments in their area of expertise. The Academic Committee assists the Director in the coordination and implementation of the study and research programme of the Institute and in the regulation of the personnel of the Institute. The Institute is supplemented by an administrative and secretarial staff.

The entire running costs of the Institute, apart from those covered by the Government of Malta, in terms of the Agreement between that Government and IMO, are met by voluntary funds. No financial contributions are made from the assessed budget of IMO.