IMO : INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION

Due to rapid development in shipping and increase in number and types of ships, a requirement of an
international body. Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) established in Geneva in
1948. Came into force 10 years later, meeting 1st time in 1959. In 1982, name changed to IMO,
headquartered in London. As of Dec 2016, has 172 Member States and 3 Associate Members ( Faroe
Islands, Hong Kong & Macao ).
Role of IMO: International machinery to improve Safety at Sea. Need for permanent body to co-ordinate &
promote measures on a regular basis. ‘Safe, secure and efficient shipping on cleaner oceans’ is the IMO
slogan. Primary purpose to develop and maintain regulatory framework for shipping relating to :
Functions of IMO: Promotion of maritime safety & efficient navigation. Prevention & control of marine
pollution. Legal matters related to shipping. (initial draft by seafarers, final language in legal format & hence
can stand in any court). Facilitation of Maritime transport. Execution of technical assistance programs. Any
country can approach IMO for technical assistance & funds.
Structure of IMO: ASSEMBLY (172 member countries) meets once every 2 yrs - every odd year and pass
a no. of resolutions numbering as: A (assembly).
COUNCIL: 40 members (serve for 2 yrs), by election from Assembly (India now a member). Budget passed
for IMO for 2 years.
5 MAIN COMMITTEES : Maritime Safety Committee; Marine Environment Protection Committee; Legal
Committee; Technical Co-operation Committee and Facilitation Committee.
Sub-Committees support work of main Committees.

Secretariat IMO

Secretary Marine Environment Maritime

General Protection Safety
300 civil servants Committee Committee
(International)

Legal Technical
Committee Co-operation
Committee

Facilitation
Committee

SECRETARIAT: Based in IMO, consists of 300 International Civil Servants headed by Secretary General.
Secretary General appointed by member countries. Assembly elects him. Tenure 4 yrs, maximum tenure -16
yrs ie: 4 terms. Dr. C. P. Srivastava (India) has had 4 terms 1974-90. Presently Ki Tack Lim (South Korea),
for four years. His mandate started on 01st January 2016.
300 people working, Professionals from different countries to help the different committee. Each division
headed by a Director who reports to the General Secretary. Others - administrative, secretaries, interpreters-
English, French & Spanish - all documents published.
Maritime Safety Committee: Most senior committee. Meets twice a year (May & Nov) except if assembly
is in session - then next year. Has a number of subcommittees: Safety of navigation, Radio communications,
Lifesaving, Search & rescue, Human Element, Training and Watch keeping, Carriage of dangerous goods,
Ship design & equipment
Fire Protection, Stability, load lines & fishing vessel safety, Carriage of Containers & cargoes, Flag state
implementation, Bulk Chemicals.
Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC): Established 1973, Meets once a year. Responsible
for co-ordination of activities in prevention & control of pollution of the marine environment from ships.
Bulk Chemicals sub-committee & Flag state implementation sub-committee are also sub-committees of
MEPC.
Legal Committee: Established to deal with legal problems after Torrey Canyon – 1967. Subsequently made
a permanent committee. Consists of all Member countries of IMO. Responsible for any legal matters within
the scope of IMO. Meets once a year.
Technical Co-Operation Committee: Responsible for co-ordination of the work of IMO in the provision of
technical assistance in the maritime field, particularly for developing countries. Concerned with
implementation of technical cooperation projects of IMO. Established in 1969, Meets once a year.
Facilitation Committee: Responsible for IMO activities and functions relating to facilitation of
international maritime traffic. Aims are to reduce formalities and simplify documentation required when
entering & leaving ports and/or terminals. Established in May 1972, Meets once a year.
IMO - what it does: 35 conventions, 700 codes & recommendation. Initial work of a Convention - normally
done by a sub-committee, draft instrument produced, submitted to conference which includes delegations
from all states (including non-IMO members). Conference adopts a final text, Submitted to governments for
ratification. Comes into force after fulfilling certain requirements: ratification by specified number of
countries, more important the convention, more stringent are the requirements, Convention requirements are
mandatory on countries party to the convention.
Codes & recommendations adopted by the IMO Assembly are not binding on Governments, though their
contents can be just as important and therefore, they are implemented by Governments through
incorporation into domestic legislation.
IMO – Conventions:
SOLAS 1974 1980
Protocol 1978 1981
Protocol 1988 -
COLREG 1972 1977
OILPOL 1954 1958
MARPOL 73/78 1983
FAL 1965 1967
Load lines 1966 1968
Protocol 1988 -
Tonnage 1969 1982
STCW 1978 1984
1995 amendments (STCW95)
SAR 1979 1985
ILO (INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION):
Created under the treaty of Versailles 1919. Aims/purposes re-affirmed 1944-Philadelphia. 1946 - ILO - first
specialized UN agency. Original 42 members have grown to 187 members as of April 2016. Accomplishes
work through 3 main bodies: Int. Labour Conference, Governing Council & Int. Labour Office.
Structure:
General Conference - meetings every year in Geneva. Members - any original member of UN. 4
representatives from each member: 2 government delegates, an employer and worker delegate, and their
respective advisers. At least one woman advisor for questions specifically affecting women.
Governing Body is executive body of ILO- meets 3 times a year, term 3 years. Composed of Fifty six
persons: 28 representing governments, 14 representing employers, 14 representing workers.
International Labour Office: Director General appointed by Governing body. Staff appointed by Director
General. Different nationalities to be selected as staff (bearing in mind efficient working).
Mandate & Objectives: Aims to: Promote rights at work, Encourage decent employment opportunities,
Enhance social protection, Strengthen dialogue in work-related issues.
Main Activities: Sets International labour standards through key international agreements:
Declaration of Fundamental Rights at Work (1998), giving right of workers to organize and bargain,
freedom from discrimination & employment rights.
ILO – Conventions: 8 core ILO Conventions:
Forced labour,
Freedom of association and protection of right to organize,
Right to organize and collective bargaining,
Equal remuneration,
Abolition of forced labour,
Discrimination (employment & occupation),
Minimum age,
Elimination of the worst forms of child labour.
ILO – Conventions & Seafarer: Major achievement include the adoption of Maritime Labour Convention,
2006, and the Work in Fishing Convention.
MLC covers: Employment agreement, guaranteeing decent on-board working & living conditions, signed by
seafarer & ship owner. Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship. Monthly pay, as per
employment agreement and applicable collective agreement. 14-hour work limit in any 24-hour period, 72
hours in and seven-day period. Shipowner to pay to repatriate a seafarer in case of illness, injury, shipwreck,
insolvency, sale of ship etc. Requirements for living accommodation and recreational facilities. Access to
prompt medical care when on board and in port.
Compliance to the MLC to be shown through vessel holding Maritime Labour Certificate and Declaration of
Maritime Labour Compliance issued by flag state.
World Health Organization (WHO):
Specialized agency of the United Nations, member of the United Nations Development Group, concerned
with International Public Health. Established 7 April 1948, Headquartered in Geneva. The constitution of
the WHO had been signed by 61 countries on 22 July 1946, with the first meeting of the World Health
Assembly finishing on 24 July 1948.
Logo of WHO features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol for healing.
The WHO is responsible for the World Health Report, a leading international publication on health, the
worldwide World Health Survey, and World Health Day (7 April of every year).
Director- General of WHO is Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, an Ethiopian national, term started on
01st July 2017.
WHO's Constitution states that its objective "is the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of
health”.
Since its creation, it has played a leading role in the eradication of smallpox.
Current priorities include communicable diseases, in particular:
HIV/AIDS, Ebola, malaria and tuberculosis;
mitigation of effects of non-communicable diseases;
Sexual & reproductive health, development, ageing;
nutrition, food security and healthy eating;
occupational health; substance abuse; and
driving the development of reporting, publications, and networking.
Structure: WHO is member of the UN Development Group.
Membership: As of 2016, WHO has 194 member states: all Member States of United Nations except for
the Cook Islands and Niue. A state becomes full member of WHO by ratifying the treaty known as
Constitution of the World Health Organization. As of 2013, it also had two associate members, Puerto
Rico and Tokelau.
Member States appoint delegations to the World Health Assembly, WHO's supreme decision-making body.
All UN Member States are eligible for WHO membership.
International Committee of the Red Cross and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies have entered into "official relations" with WHO and are invited as observers. In the World Health
Assembly they are seated alongside the other NGOs.
Assembly and Executive Board: World Health Assembly is the legislative and supreme body of WHO.
Based in Geneva, meets yearly in May. Appoints Director-General every five years, and votes on policy and
finance of WHO, and proposed budget. Reviews reports of Executive Board and decides whether there are
areas of work requiring further examination. Assembly elects 34 members, technically qualified in the field
of health, to the Executive Board for three-year terms. The main functions of the Board are to carry out the
decisions and policies of the Assembly, to advise it and to facilitate its work.
Regional offices: To meet special needs of each defined area a regional organization is established. Many
decisions made at regional level, including important discussions over WHO's budget, and in deciding the
members of the next assembly, which are designated by the regions. Each region has a Regional Committee,
which generally meets once a year. Representatives attend from each member or associative member in each
region, including those states that are not fully recognised.
Regional Headquarters- 6 nos:
Africa (AFRO): Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, includes most of Africa, with the exception of Egypt
Sudan, Djibouti, Tunisia, Libya Somalia and Morocco (all fall under EMRO).
Europe (EURO): Copenhagen, Denmark, EURO includes Europe, Israel, and former USSR,
except Liechtenstein.
South-East Asia (SEARO): New Delhi, India. North Korea is served by SEARO.
Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO): Cairo, Egypt. Includes countries of Africa not included in AFRO, as well
as Middle East, except Israel. Pakistan is served by EMRO.
Western Pacific (WPRO): Manila, Philippines, all Asian countries not served by SEARO and EMRO, and
all countries in Oceania. South Korea is served by WPRO.
The Americas (AMRO): Washington D.C., USA. Also known as the Pan American Health
Organization (PAHO), and covers the Americas.
WHO – Functions: WHO fulfills its objective through its functions as:
(a) directing and co-ordinating authority on international health work.
(b) establish and maintain effective collaboration with the United Nations, specialized agencies,
governmental health administrations, professional groups;
(c) assist Governments, upon request, in strengthening health services
(d) furnish appropriate technical assistance and, in emergencies, necessary aid upon the request or
acceptance of Governments.
(e) provide or assist in providing, upon the request of the United Nations, health services and facilities to
special groups, such as the peoples of trust territories
(f) establish and maintain such administrative and technical services as may be required, including
epidemiological and statistical services
(g) stimulate and advance work to eradicate epidemic, endemic and other diseases
(h) promote, in co-operation with other specialized agencies where necessary, the prevention of accidental
injuries
(i) to promote, in co-operation with other specialized agencies where necessary, the improvement of
nutrition, housing, sanitation, recreation, economic or working conditions and other aspects of
environmental hygiene
(j) to promote co-operation among scientific and professional groups which contribute to the advancement
of health
(k) to propose conventions, agreements and regulations, and make recommendations with respect to
international health matters and to perform.
International Shipping Federation, ISF:
ISF is the only broad based international employers' organization dedicated to maritime manpower issues,
providing advice and guidance to members either directly or via its extensive range of global contacts by
representing them in all relevant forum where issues are regulated.
ISF represents the employers' voice on industrial relations issues, proactively explaining and justifying
employers' activities to the media.
ISF is an authority on the STCW Convention and assists with advice on its detailed technical requirements.
The ISF Secretariat also supports other international organizations, such as sister organization the
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the International Maritime Employers' Committee (IMEC).
Each organization is quite independent, these links ensure an exchange of information and co-ordination to
prevent overlap and duplication of effort.
ISF has consultative status with ILO, where it co-ordinates the shipowner position at all maritime meetings,
and with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
ISF reviews United States developments through links with a Washington office and attends, through ILO,
meetings of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control Committee, which develops
policy on port state control inspections within the Paris MOU region.
ISF is also an active member of the International Committee on Seafarers' Welfare (ICSW) and regular
contacts are maintained with representatives of maritime unions, including the International Transport
Workers' Federation (ITF).
ISF, with national ship-owner association members from Eastern and Western Europe, the Indian Sub-
Continent, the Asia/Pacific Region, the Middle East and North, Central and South America, provides a
unique forum for employers to co-ordinate effectively and influence events on maritime human resources
issues.

International Association of Classification Societies (IACS):

Is a technically based organization, headquartered in London. IACS consists of 12 member societies, details
of which are listed below. Chairmanship of IACS is on a rotational basis with each member society taking a
turn.
Marine classification a system for promoting safety of life, property and environment through establishment
and verification of compliance with technical and engineering standards for the design, construction and
life-cycle maintenance of ships, offshore units and other marine-related facilities. These standards are
contained in rules established by each Society. IACS provides a forum within which the member societies
can discuss, research and adopt technical criteria that enhance maritime safety.
IACS was founded on September 11, 1968, in Hamburg, Germany. As of September 2011, its members are
the thirteen largest marine classification societies in the world. More than 90% of the world's cargo carrying
ships’ tonnage is covered by the classification standards set by the thirteen member societies of IACS.
IACS can trace its origins back to the International Load Line Convention of 1930 and its recommendations.
The convention recommended collaboration between classification societies to secure as much uniformity as
possible in the application of the standards of strength upon which freeboard is based. Following the
Convention, Registro Italiano Navale (RINA) hosted first conference of major societies in 1939 - attended
by ABS, BV, DNV, GL, LR and NK - which agreed on further cooperation between the societies.
In 1968, formation of IACS by seven leading societies. In 1969, IACS was given consultative status by the
IMO. Its membership has increased since that time to the current thirteen members.
Purpose: IACS is a NGO, it plays a role within the IMO, IACS provides technical support and guidance and
develops unified interpretations of the international statutory regulations developed by the member states of
the IMO. Once adopted, these interpretations are applied by each IACS member society, when certifying
compliance with the statutory regulations on behalf of authorizing flag states. IACS has consultative status
with the IMO, and remains the only NGO with observer status which also develops and applies technical
rules that are reflective of the aims embodied within IMO conventions.
The link between the international maritime regulations, developed by the IMO and the classification rule
requirements for a ship’s hull structure and essential engineering systems is codified in the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
Organization: IACS is governed by a Council, with each Member represented on the Council by a senior
management executive. The position of Chairman of the Council is rotated between the members on an
annual basis. Reporting to the Council is the General Policy Group (GPG), made up of a senior management
representative from each member society.
Chairman of Council: Mr. Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen.

Duty and responsibility for membership: On delivery, the vessel will receive periodic surveys by the society
to verify that it is being maintained to the required standard. These surveys generally follow a five-year
cycle of annual, intermediate and special surveys with the extent of the survey varying depending upon the
age of the vessel or offshore unit and the type of survey being conducted. For a vessel to remain ‘in class’ it
must meet the class rule requirements at the completion of each survey.
Should a vessel sustain in-service damage, the vessel’s owner advises the classification society of record so
that a damage survey can be arranged. If the surveyor decides that the damaged vessel no longer meets the
rules, the owner must carry out repairs to bring the vessel back into compliance if it is to remain in class.
Without certification from IACS firms, vessels are largely unable to secure insurance cover or call at
international ports.
IACS Members:
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Bureau Veritas (BV)
China Classification Society (CCS)
Croatian Register of Shipping (CRS)
Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNV GL)
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
Korean Register of Shipping (KR)
Lloyd's Register (LR)
Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK/ClassNK)
Polish Register of Shipping (PRS)
Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS)

The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO):

Founded under the title of "The Baltic and White Sea Conference" in Copenhagen in 1905, first organisation
to see the benefit in joining forces with other countries to secure better deals and standard agreements in
shipping. It was renamed -The Baltic and International Maritime Council –and at present day – simply
BIMCO.
BIMCO headquarters in Bagsværd near Copenhagen, Denmark.
Since June, 2017, Anastasios Papagiannopoulos, CEO of the Greek shipping company Common Progress,
has been elected President of BIMCO.
Is the world’s largest international shipping associations representing shipowners, operators, managers,
brokers and agents; Membership controls around 65 percent of the world’s tonnage and it has members in
more than 120 countries.
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 operates numerous committees:
Executive Committee: responsible for decisions about overall business under the Board of Director’s.
Documentary Committee: meets twice a year. Approves all contracts and clauses, responsible for overall
quality of documents developed by BIMCO.
Marine Committee: meets twice a year to discuss, review marine, operational and technical issues.
Security Committee: examines work related to piracy, smuggling, migrants, stowaways and cyber security.
In support of its commitment to promote the development and application of global regulatory instruments,
BIMCO is accredited as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with all relevant United Nations organs.
In an effort to promote its agenda and objectives, the association maintains a close dialogue with
governments and diplomatic representations around the world, including maritime administrations,
regulatory institutions, and other stakeholders within the areas of EU, the United States, and Asia.
BIMCO's four core service areas are:
1. BIMCO’s world leading standard contracts and clauses for the shipping industry and Shipping KPI
System which can be used to benchmark ships’ operational performance.
2. Regulation: BIMCO takes an active role on behalf of shipowners during discussions and decisions with
global and regional regulators.
3. Information and advice: share their expert knowledge with members, giving practical advice to safeguard
and add value to their businesses.
4. Training activities include face-to-face courses, eLearning, and tailor-made courses for companies.

The International Chamber of Shipping ( I C S ):

International trade association for shipping industry, representing shipowners & operators in all sectors and
trades. Established in 1921, concerned with technical, legal, employment affairs and policy issues.
Membership comprises national shipowners’ association globally, representing around 80% of the world’s
merchant tonnage. Represents shipowners at IMO.
Aim of ICS is to promote the interests of shipowners and operators in all matters of shipping policy and ship
operations.
Has close relationships with industry organisations representing different maritime interests such as
shipping, ports, pilotage, the oil industry, insurance and classification societies responsible for the surveying
of ships.
A major ICS activity is as consultative body at IMO.
ICS is unique in that unlike other international shipping trade associations it represents the global interests of
all the different trades in the industry: bulk carrier operators, tanker operators, passenger ship operators and
container liner trades, including shipowners and third party ship managers.
ICS has consultative status with a number of intergovernmental bodies which have an impact on shipping,
these include:
the World Customs Organization,
the International Telecommunications Union,
the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and
the World Meteorological Organization.
Responsible for several publications in use in marine industry.
The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF):
A voluntary association of oil companies having an interest in the shipment and terminalling of crude oil and
oil products.
OCIMF's mission is to be the foremost authority on the safe and environmentally responsible operation of
oil tankers and terminals, promoting continuous improvement in standards of design and operation.
Formed on 08th April 1970, in response to growing concern about marine pollution by oil, after the Torrey
Canyon incident in 1967.
Membership includes every oil major and majority of National Oil Companies.
The role of OCIMF has broadened over the years. Most recently the organisation has contributed to the EU
discussion on tanker safety and the draft EU Directive on Environmental Liability, and has provided support
to the European Union (EU) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) debate on the accelerated
phasing out of single-hull tankers and on the carriage of heavy grades of oil.
The officers of OCIMF comprise a Chairman and three Vice-Chairmen, all of whom are elected at the
Annual General Meeting of OCIMF member companies.
A committee structure with the Executive Committee at its head and four senior standing committees
reporting to it was established.
General purpose committee, Ports & Terminal Committee, Offshore Marine Committee & Legal
Committee.
The Executive Committee is the senior policymaking Committee of OCIMF.
The membership of the Executive Committee is limited to a maximum of 15 members plus the Chairman
and Vice Chairmen who are ex officio members.
Members of the Executive Committee are elected at the Annual General Meeting.
Present chairman is Dr. Grahaeme Henderson from Shell.
OCIMF Objectives:
Identify & seek to resolve safety, security and environmental issues.
Develop and publish guidance and best practices.
Facilitate exchange of information, to promote continuous improvement in safe and environmentally
sustainable operations.
Encourage ratification and implementation of International conventions and regulations.

Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO)

In 1978 a number of prominent companies in the Gas Tanker & Terminal Operators field, set out to establish
a framework of standards and best practice for the then emerging liquefied natural gas (LNG) businesses.
SIGTTO was incorporated as a non-profit making company, registered in Bermuda in October 1979.
Formed originally with thirteen members, the Society has continued to grow and now has more than one
hundred and fifty members.
SIGTTO’s membership represents nearly all the world’s LNG businesses and more than half of the global
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) business.
The General Purposes Committee (GPC) is the Society’s technical directorate, comprises of 30 senior
operational executives of member companies representing a balance of LNG, LPG gas tanker and terminal
experience. The GPC Chairman reports to the Board and the committee’s main tasks are the initiation and
supervision of project activities.
Granted observer status at the IMO in 1982, the Society is now acknowledged as the authoritative voice of
the liquefied gas shipping and terminals industries.
Focusing on LNG and LPG the society is involved in the creation of publications to enhance maritime
knowledge and promote safety at sea.
Actively involved in research for the use of Gas as a marine fuel and publish various relevant industry
guidelines.
Purpose of the Society is to promote shipping and terminal operations for liquefied gases which are safe,
environmentally responsible and reliable.
To fulfil this mission it will:
Proactively develop best operating practices and guideline
Sustain a learning environment by sharing lessons learned
Promote training and development of all within the industry
Foster mutually beneficial relationships with regulatory authorities and other stakeholders.

INTERTANKO: International Association of Independent Tanker Owners

International Association of Independent Tanker Owners is the association of the owners’ of the independent
tankers’ in the world.
It started in 1970 to speak out for the independent tanker owners, ensuring that liquid energy is shipped
safely, responsibly and competitively.
Membership is open to independent tanker owners and operators of oil and chemical tankers, i.e. non-oil
companies and non-state controlled tanker owners, who fulfil the Association's membership criteria.
As of January 2017, the organisation had 205 members, whose combined fleet comprises some 3,805
tankers totalling 332 million dwt.
INTERTANKO's associate membership stands at some 260 companies with an interest in shipping of oil
and chemicals.
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 has a vision of a professional, efficient and respected industry that is dedicated to achieving
safe transport, cleaner seas and free competition.
INTERTANKO'S OBJECTIVES :
1. Develop and promote best practices in all sectors of the tanker industry.
2. Be a positive and proactive influence with key stakeholders, developing policies and positions,
harmonising a united industry voice, and engaging with policy and decision makers.
3. Profile and promote the tanker industry, strategic importance and social value.
4. Provide key services to Members, with customised advice, assistance and access to information.

The International Association of Dry Cargo Ship owners (INTERCARGO)

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, (INTERCARGO).
Established in 1980, objective to look after the interests of owners, operators and managers of dry cargo
vessels’.
Association has 3 Committees:
Management Committee,
Executive Committee,
Technical Committee.
Objective is to promote a safe, high quality, efficient, environmentally friendly and profitable dry cargo
shipping industry.
It works closely with the other international associations – BIMCO, ICS, INTERTANKO, etc.
It has Consultative status within the International Maritime Organisation.
INTERCARGO considers that free and fair competition in the shipping industry is of fundamental
importance and this serves as its prime principle.
INTERCARGO aims to create strategies to enhance the interests of its Members for the benefit of the dry
cargo shipping as a whole.

International Federation of Ship Masters' Associations ( I F S M A ) The Serving Shipmasters'

International Voice
is the international professional organisation that unites and represents the world's serving Shipmasters.
Established in 1974, IFSMA headquarters are located in London, United Kingdom.
In 1975, granted Consultative status as a NGO at IMO.
The IFSMA is primarily concerned with representing the interests of the serving Shipmasters in bodies such
as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), The International Labour Organization (ILO) and other
relevant, international and national organisations.
The purpose of IFSMA is to bring the Shipmasters' views on matters of marine safety, maritime security and
protection of the marine environment to recognition at the required level and, at the same time, to forge a
more exclusive and professional status for Shipmasters, one based upon their professional responsibility
toward both shipowners and society.
The IFSMA is concerned about both international standards of professional competence for seafarers and
international standards on conditions of work for seafarers.
The IFSMA is a federation with a policy to ensure safe operational practices, to prevent human injury, to
protect the marine environment and to ensure the safety of life and property at sea.

Classification Societies
Classification societies are organizations that establish and apply technical standards in relation to the
design, construction and survey of marine related facilities including ships and offshore structures. These
standards are issued by the society as published rules. They publish rules and regulations concerning:-
1) The structural strength of all essential parts of hull and its appendages.
2) The safety and reliability of the propulsion and steering system and other auxiliary system
3) All machinery (including electrical)
4) Materials of construction
5) Rules for special types of vessel
6) Rules for ship equipment etc
Classification societies set technical rules, confirm that designs and calculations meet these rules, survey
ships and structures during the process of construction and commissioning, and periodically survey vessels
to ensure that they continue to meet the rules.
To avoid liability, they explicitly take no responsibility for the safety, fitness for purpose, or seaworthiness
of the ship.
Classification society surveyors inspect ships to make sure that the ship, its components and machinery are
built and maintained according to the standards required for their class.
Classification societies employ ship surveyors, material engineers, piping engineers, mechanical engineers
and electrical engineers, often located at ports and office buildings around the world.
History
In the second half of the 18th century, London merchants, shipowners, and captains often gathered at
Edward Lloyds’ coffee house to gossip and make deals including sharing the risks and rewards of individual
voyages.
This became known as underwriting after the practice of signing one's name to the bottom of a document
pledging to make good a portion of the losses if the ship didn’t make it in return for a portion of the profits.
Underwriters needed way to assess the quality of the ships that they were being asked to insure.
In 1760, the Register Society was formed — the first classification society and the one which would
subsequently become Lloyd's Register — to publish an annual register of ships.
This publication attempted to classify the condition of the ship’s hull and equipment. At that time, an
attempt was made to classify the condition of each ship on an annual basis.
The condition of the hull was classified A, E, I, O or U, according to the state of its construction and its
adjudged continuing soundness (or lack thereof).
Equipment was G, M, or B: simply, good, middling or bad.
In time, G, M and B were replaced by 1, 2 and 3, which is the origin of the well-known expression 'A1',
meaning 'first or highest class'.
The purpose of this system was not to assess safety, fitness for the purpose or seaworthiness of the ship. It
was to evaluate risk.
Today a ship either meets the relevant class society’s rules or it does not. As a consequence, it is either 'in' or
'out' of 'class'. Classification societies do not issue statements or certifications that a vessel is 'fit to sail' or
'unfit to sail', merely that the vessel is in compliance with the required codes.
+100A1 DOUBLE HULL OIL AND CHEMICAL TANKER TYPE 2, ESP, *IWS, SPM, LI
+: New ships constructed under LR special survey in compliance with the LR Rules
100: Suitable for sea-going service
A: Built or accepted into class in accordance with LR’s Rules and Regulations & maintained in good and
efficient condition
1: Good and Efficient condition of anchoring and/or mooring equipment in accordance with the Rules.