Key Maritime Organisations
Leading Organisations Shaping Maritime Safety and Standards
A number of key international maritime organisations play a crucial part in the safety and environmental protection of shipping today. Working together, these organisations help to create and set the guidelines, policies and standards that regulate the current maritime landscape.
A collection of these organisations has been detailed below:
Head Office: London, UK
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
Established in 1921, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is internationally recognised as the principal trade association for shipowners and operators. ICS members now account for over 80% of the world’s merchant tonnage.
Unlike other international shipping trade associations, the ICS represents the interests of shipowners and third-party ship managers across all types of maritime trade, including bulk carrier, tanker, passenger, and container ship operations.
Concerned with the regulatory, operational, employment, policy, and legal issues of shipping, one of the man activities of the ICS is as a consultative service at the IMO. In addition to this, ICS also hold consultative status with a further number of intergovernmental bodies, who impact shipping.
As well as providing representation for its members, the ICS develops industry guidance and best practice for companies operating within the industry.
Head Office: London, UK
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
As an agency of the United Nations (UN), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is responsible for shipping regulations worldwide, setting global standards for thesafety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping.
Established in 1948 as an international body, the first Assembly did not take place until 1959, where its main focus at that time was on updates and amendments to the SOLAS Convention.
Today, the remit of the IMO has extended and, in addition to safety, now oversees various shipping matters, including environmental concerns, legal matters, maritime security, technical co-operation, seafarer training, and operational efficiency.
The primary role of the IMO remains to develop and maintain a regulatory framework for the shipping industry, with the aim of providing a fair and effective set of standards and requirements that are adopted and implemented globally, across the industry.
To achieve this aim, work is carried out by five committees and a number of technical subcommittees and working groups. This is governed by an Assembly of members. Government and non-government organisations with consultative status may provide input into the efforts.
Much of the work now undertaken by the IMO concerns updates and amendments to existing conventions. Any new Conventions require higher approval, followed by an international conference.
Head Office: Surrey, UK
CDI
Created in 1994, the Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI) is a non-profit organisation for the chemical industry.
The CDI has clear objectives that drive its aims of continuous improvements to the safety, security and quality performance of marine transportation and storage for the chemical industry. In order to meets its objectives, the CDI provides the industry with:
Best practice, experience, and knowledge to assist in the creation and amendment of policies
A cost effective risk assessment system, providing a single set of reliable and consistent inspection data
Official training, qualification, and accreditation programmes for inspectors.
CDI inspectors and auditors provide reports for use in the risk assessment process across the chemical industry.
The CDI is comprised of three schemes, each managed by an Executive Board made up of representatives from the chemical company participants of each scheme:
CDI-Marine (CDI-M)
Created in 1994, CDI-M aims to improve the safety and quality levels of bulk liquid chemical tanker shipping. CDI-M provides annual chemical and liquid petroleum gas tanker inspection reports.
CDI-Terminals (CDI-T)
Developed in 1997, CDI-T aims to improve the safety and quality levels of bulk liquid storage terminals.
International Marine Packed Cargo Audit Scheme (IMPCAS)
Created in 2002, IMPCAS is one of the largest schemes of its kind, providing reports on all involved in the distribution supply chain, including: Shipping Companies, Ships, Tank Container Operators, Container Freight Stations, Freight Forwarders, Agents, and Container Terminals.
Head Office: London, UK
Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF)
Founded in 1970, the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) is a voluntary association of companies who have an involvement in the shipment of oil, gas, and other harmful liquids.
Following the Torrey Canyon incident in 1967, concerns grew surrounding the safety and pollution impact of oil shipping. As international incentives started to develop in relation to these concerns, OCIMF was formed to provide a means of input for the oil industry. In 1971, OCIMF was granted consultative status at the IMO.
OCIMF is most notably regarded for its inspection and self-assessment programmes, namely SIRE, OVID, TMSA and MTIS, which support the industry in the assessment of vessel quality, ship-shore compatibility, and continuous improvements to safety management.
Today its role has widened to address the safety, health, security, and environmental concerns of members involved in tankers, barges, offshore vessels, and terminals.
OCIMF is now widely recognised as the voice of the oil industry, providing expertise, best practice, and annual forums across the globe, allowing members and maritime professionals to meet to discuss current industry topics.
Head Office: Geneva, Switzerland
International Labour Organisation (ILO)
Established in 1919, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) which facilitates the development of labour standards and policies, promoting decent work for all among the governments, employers and workers of its 187 member States.
With the aims of promoting workers’ rights, encouraging decent employment opportunities, enhancing social protection and strengthening dialogue on work-related issues, the ILO provides equal say and input to workers, employers and governments to shape policies that closely reflect each parties view.
In 2006, the maritime industry joined the reaches of the ILO under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). Known as the “seafarers’ bill of rights”, the MLC plays an important role for seafarers and ship owners, with its aim of a single, coherent instrument embodying as far as possible all up-to-date standards of existing international maritime labour Conventions and Recommendations, as well as the fundamental principles to be found in other international labour Conventions.
Changes to the MLC are considered, undertaken, and approved in line with a procedure already in place with the IMO.
Head Office: Tokyo, Japan
International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH)
Established in 1955, the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) is the trade association for seaports globally. Recognised as the non-governmental organisation (NGO) representing the interests of ports worldwide, the IAPH has over 200 member ports.
The mission of the IAPH is to promote the interest of ports through strong member relationships, collaboration and information-sharing, helping to resolve common issues, advance sustainable practices and continually improve how ports serve the maritime industries.
The IAPH now holds consultative status with five United Nations (UN) agencies, including the IMO and the ILO.
Head Office: London, UK
International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)
The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO).
Comprised of twelve member marine classification societies, over 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the marine classification standards set by the IACS member societies.
These marine classification standards promote safety at sea and the environmental protection through the setting of minimum technical standards and requirements. These requirements verify the structural integrity of essential marine units through the detailing of engineering standards for the design, construction and maintenance of ships, offshore units and other marine-related facilities.
Maritime topics will undergo extensive research by IACS and its members to develop classification standards and provide technical support and best practice to the industry. The work put forward by IACS will be verified for compliance with current published standards. IACS standards are issued by the Society as published Rules.
A vessel meeting the requirements of a Society may apply for a Certificate of Classification. Regular surveys will ensure that the vessel maintains the required standards. The extent of a survey will depend on a number of factors, including the age and condition of a ship and its equipment and the type of survey being conducted.
Head Office: Oslo, Norway
INTERTANKO
Established in 1970, the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) is the global trade association for non-oil company and non-state-controlled tanker owners.
As a recognised non-governmental organisation (NGO), INTERTANKO represents the interests of its Members at national, regional and international levels. INTERTANKO holds observer status at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Working closely with its members and other key industry stakeholders, INTERTANKO is concerned with the operational, technical, legal and commercial issues faced by tanker owners and operators around the world.
The organisation has created several marine industry books and publications offering advice, guidance, and best practice.
Head Office: London, UK
INTERCARGO
Formed in 1980, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, (INTERCARGO) holds consultative status at the IMO and represents the interests of dry cargo tanker owners, operators and managers.
Working closely with a number of international associations, INTERCARGO promotes safety, quality, operational efficiency, environmental protection, and profitability across the dry cargo shipping industry. Its main principle is free and fair competition to all involved. INTERCARGO produces a range of publications and best practice guides to support its members in meeting the association’s objectives.
Through the INTERCARGO forum, dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators are kept up to date with the work of the association and are able to share and discuss concerns on key industry topics and regulatory challenges. The opinions and interests of its members are presented to the IMO and other industry bodies by INTERCARGO.
Head Office: London, UK
IGP&I
The International Group Protection and Indemnity (IGP&I) is made up of 13 individual P&I clubs that, between them, provide marine liability cover for approximately 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage.
Providing third party liability cover for shipowner and charterer members, each club within the IGP&I is an independent, not-for-profit mutual insurance association. Operating independently, each club is owned by its members and overseen by an elected board. At international group level, IGP&I Club members share extensive knowledge and experience with regards to shipowner, insurance and re-insurance liabilities, in addition to the sharing of considerable loss exposures.
Cover provided by the P&I Clubs encompass a wide range of liabilities, including loss of life and personal injury to crew, passengers and others on board, cargo loss and damage, pollution by oil and other hazardous substances, wreck removal, collision, and damage to property, in addition to other insurance services, such as claims handling and legal advice.
Head Office: Copenhagen, Denmark
Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO)
The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) is one of the largest international organisations of ship owners in the world, providing a comprehensive source of shipping information and trusted advisory service.
With members in more than 120 countries worldwide, consisting of shipping managers, brokers and agents, around 60 percent of global merchant tonnage is controlled by BIMCO members.
Acting on behalf of its members and utilising industry expertise and experience, the organisation leads in the creation of contracts and agreements tailored to maritime trade activities. BIMCO’s aim is to produce flexible commercial agreements that are fair to both parties, promoting equitable business practices, standardisation of commercial shipping contracts, and greater harmonisation in shipping regulations.
Today, BIMCO contracts are used internationally, with it estimated that seventy-five percent of maritime transactions involve the use of a BIMCO agreement.
As an accredited non-governmental organisation (NGO), BIMCO holds observer status with several United Nations agencies and works closely with the IMO and other maritime organisations across Asia, Europe, and the USA on key maritime topics.
Head Office: London, UK
International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF)
Following the Torrey Canyon incident in 1968, the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF) was established as a non-profit organisation.
Providing key services including emergency spill response, damage assessment, claims analysis, contingency planning, training, and information, ITOPF promotes effective responses to oil, chemical and other hazardous liquid spills.
ITOPF’s highly skilled and experienced staff are on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist with shipping incidents. Since its creation, ITOPF has responded to over 800 oil and chemical spills worldwide.
The unique and crucial emergency response services provided by ITOPF has been available to tanker owners since its inception. In 1999, ITOPF services were extended to owners of other ship types, including bulk carriers, container ships, car carriers, cruise ships, ferries and supply vessels.
P&I Club members are automatically enrolled in ITOPF’s services.When a situation requires,ITOPF’s specialist and priority service is generally performed at the request of the vessel’s pollution insurer on behalf of the ITOPF member or associate, for instance, the P&I Club that provides the vessel’s cover.
Head Office: London, UK
Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO)
The Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) is a non-profit organisation. Established in 1979, the SIGTTO membership represents nearly all the world’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) businesses, and more than half the global Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) businesses.
Through encouraging the exchange of technical information, experience, and best practice between its members, SIGTTO promotes the safety and operational reliability of gas tankers and terminals, while addressing common industry problems and deriving policy for improvements. To support this work, the Society publishes various relevant industry guidelines.
SIGTTO is a recognised non-governmental organisation (NGO) and holds Observer status at the (IMO). Bi-annual panel meetings are held to discuss current areas of interest and provide the opportunity for members to raise any industry concerns. Regional Forums are also held regularly to address local issues.