INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS IN SHIPPING

IMO – INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION : the International Maritime

Organization – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety
and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. The IMO
Convention entered into force in 1958 and the new Organization met for the first time
the following year. IMO currently has 171 Member States and three Associate Members.

ILO – INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION: It was found in 1919. It became

the first specialized agency of UN in 1946. The main aims of the ILO are to promote
rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection
and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues.

WHO – WOLD HEALTH ORGANISATION: formed in 1948. More than 7000 people
from more than 150 countries work for the Organization in over 150 WHO country
offices, 6 regional offices, at the Global Service Centre in Malaysia and at the
headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Their main work is monitoring health situation
and accessing health trends. They also shape the research agendas , set norms and
standards and provide leadership related to critical to health and engaging in
parternships where joint action is needed.

IACS – INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES:

Founded in 1968 at Hamburg,Germany. It is a technically based organization consisting
of twelve marine classification societies headquartered in London. IACS provides a
forum within which the member societies can discuss research and adopt technical
criteria that enhance maritime safety. It is a non governmental organization but also
plays an important role in IMO by providing technical expertise and interpretations.

BIMCO – BALTIC AND INTERNATIONAL MARITIME COUNCIL: is the largest of the

international shipping associations representing ship owners; its membership controls
around 65 percent of the world’s tonnage and it has members in more than 120
countries, including managers, brokers and agents.

The association’s main objective is to protect its global membership through the
provision of quality information and advice, and while promoting fair business practices,
facilitate harmonisation and standardization of commercial shipping practices and
contracts.

BIMCO is accredited as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with all

relevant United Nations organs.

CAPT. ABHISHEK MISHRA

 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS IN SHIPPING
ICS – INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF SHIPPING -The International Chamber of
Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for merchant ship-owners
and operators, representing all sectors and trades and over 80% of the world merchant
fleet.
Established in 1921, ICS is concerned with all technical, legal, employment affairs and
policy issues that may affect international shipping.

ISF-International Shipping Federation- The ISF is the leading employers' organization

for the international shipping industry.
Its Members include national ship owners' associations, which together
operate two thirds of the world merchant tonnage and employ a proportionate
share of the 1.25 million seafarers.
Founded in 1909, the ISF is concerned with all matters relating to labor, human
resources, training, health and welfare of the seafarers. It is actively involved with the
following international organizations: ILO, IMO, WHO, ICSW, IOE. The ISF also enjoys
a close relationship with national authorities and maritime authorities worldwide.

IRS – INDIAN REGISTER OF SHIPPING - In March 1975, Indian Register of Shipping

was established as a public limited company after report of Murlidhar committee (1974)
which recommended for formation of an Indian classification society. It has many
responsibilities.
 To aid and develop marine industry in India.

 To provide faithful and accurate classification and record of mercantile shipping

classed with IRS

 To establish standards and formulate rules for the construction and maintenance of
ships, amphibious installation, marine equipment and industrial and general engineering
equipment.
 To approve designs of, to survey and to issue reports on land installations, machinery,
materials and apparatus of all kinds.
 To aid and develop the merchant marine industry of India
 To evaluate, assess and certify quality management systems in industries and to carry
out pre-registration audits and certification audits for quality management systems.

IFSMA (THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SHIPMASTERS ASSOCIATION)

was formed in 1974 by Eight European Shipmasters' Associations to unite the World's
serving Shipmasters into a single professional co-ordinated body. It is a non-profit
making apolitical organisation dedicated solely to the interest of the serving Shipmaster.
The Federation is formed of nearly 11,000 Shipmasters from sixty Countries either
through their National Associations or as Individual Members.

CAPT. ABHISHEK MISHRA

 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS IN SHIPPING
INTERTANKO : INTERNATIONAL TANKER OWNERS ASSOCIATION.

Formed in October 21,1970. INTERTANKO is a forum where the industry meets,

policies are discussed and statements are created. It is a valuable source of first-hand
information, opinions and guidance. INTERTANKO stands for safe transport, cleaner
seas and free competition.

Full membership is open to independent tanker owners, owning or managing crude oil,
product, chemical, OBO, O/O, gas carriers and FPSO/FSUs, provided they are
operated on a commercial basis. Companies not in listed in aforementioned category
e.g. oil companies, shipbrokers and other tanker related interests can become
Associate Members. A company that is eligible for full membership may not be an
associate member.
INTERTANKO membership fleet
· 213 Members
· 3,045 tankers
· 270 m dwt
· 40 countries

INTERCARGO : INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRY CARGO SHIPOWNERS

Members operate predominantly Bulk Carriers in the international dry bulk trades, such
as coal, grain, iron ore and other bulk commodities.

Main role is to work with members, the regulators and other Shipping Associations to
ensure that shipping operates safely, efficiently, environmentally and profitably. To do
this, they actively participate in the development of global legislation through
theInternational Maritime Organization and other similar bodies.

OCIMF- OIL COMPANIES INTERNATIONAL MARINE FORUM was formed in April

1970 in response to the growing public concern about marine pollution, particularly by
oil, after the Torrey Canyon incident in 1967. OCIMF was granted consultative status at
the IMO in 1971 and continues to present oil industry views at IMO meetings. The
current membership of OCIMF comprises 98 companies worldwide.
They work in various functions :
They develop and publish relevant standards that serve as technical benchmarks.
They contribute to development of international conventions.
The facilitate access of data to various charterers shippers about barges, tankers and
offshore vessels through SIRE (Ship Inspection Report) programme and OVID
(Offshore vessels inspection Database)

CAPT. ABHISHEK MISHRA

 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS IN SHIPPING
SIGTTO- Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators: The Society
is the international body established for the exchange of technical information and
experience, between members of the industry, to enhance the safety and operational
reliability of gas tankers and terminals. It has more than 150 member companies.

What is a Classification Society ?

A classification society is a non-governmental organization that establishes and
maintains technical standards for the construction and operation of ships and offshore
structures.

CAPT. ABHISHEK MISHRA