Founded in 1974, our sole purpose is to be the global voice for Shipmasters. We ensure your professional views on marine safety, maritime security, and the protection of the marine environment are heard at the highest levels.
Why Join IFSMA? Your Voice, Amplified.
Membership in IFSMA provides direct, tangible benefits to your career, your security, and your profession.
- Global Representation: IFSMA holds Consultative Status as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This allows us to represent your interests directly to the world’s maritime regulators, unfettered and unfiltered by national governments or shipping companies.
- Influence Policy: As a member, you can actively participate. Members are often needed as Subject Matter Experts and can join the IFSMA delegation at key IMO Committees, including the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC), and the Legal Committee.
- Biennial General Assemblies: These important events enable resolutions on important issues to be agreed which then become firm Federation policy.
- Professional Community: Connect with a global network of over 11,500 fellow Shipmasters from more than 60 countries. Share knowledge, discuss best practices, and build a stronger professional community.
- Information Access: Members are provided with access to the IMO Documents Website for critical research, information, and to stay ahead of regulatory changes.
How to Join
For Associations: Please contact the IFSMA Secretariat to express your interest. You will be provided with standard application forms. Applications are verified and then submitted to the Executive Council for approval.
Industrial Member – Manufacturers and Distributors of Maritime Equipment pertinent to Shipmasters. Industrial Members are eligible to:
- Participate in IFSMA committee work by invitation and to exhibit their technologies during IFSMA Biennial General Assembly, conferences, symposia, workshops and seminars around the world.
- Publish editorial articles free of charge in the IFSMA Newsletter and advertise at competitive rates in the Newsletter and on the Main IFSMA Webpage.
- Not eligible to hold office or have voting rights at the IFSMA General Assemblies. Attend IMO Committee and Sub-Committee Meetings with IFSMA Secretariat as non-participating Observers, act as advisers to the IFSMA Secretariat.
Associate Member – Any Service or Organization with demonstrable work in the areas appropriate to the Aims and Key Challenges of IFSMA. Associate Members are eligible to:
- Participate in IFSMA Committee work by invitation and to attend IFSMA General Assemblies, conferences, symposia, workshops and seminars.
- Publish editorial articles free of charge in the IFSMA Newsletter and advertise free of charge in the Newsletter or on the main IFSMA Web page.
- Not eligible to hold office or have voting rights at the IFSMA General Assemblies. Attend IMO Committee and Sub-Committee Meetings with IFSMA Secretariat as non-participating Observers, act as advisers to the IFSMA Secretariat.
For Individuals: Applications for individual membership are also reviewed by the Executive Council.
Membership Fees:
- Association: £15.00 per Shipmaster member, minimum and maximum subscription amounts will apply. Please contact IFSMA HQ for information hq@ifsma.org.
- New Individual Member: £80.00 (includes a one-time £5.00 joining fee)
- Annual Individual Subscription: £75.00
Please contact IFSMA HQ for information hq@ifsma.org.