INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF SHIPMASTERS ASSOCIATIONS
- 202 LAMBETH ROAD
SE1 7JY LONDON
Phone: 0207 261 0450
Fax: 0207 928 9030
E-mail: Send messagewww.ifsma.org
Short profile:
IFSMA 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.
Established to uphold International Standards of Professional Competence for Seafarers, IFSMA is a Federation with a policy to ensure Safe Operational Practices, Preservation from Human Injury, Protection of the Marine Environment and Safety of Life and Property at Sea.
The structure of IFSMA is explained in the Statutes and Bye-laws of the Federation. The responsibility of the functioning of the Federation is vested in the Executive Council which comprises a President, a Deputy President and seven Vice Presidents, who are elected by the members.
Detailed description:
IFSMA has long held the firm belief that Shipowners and Ship Management Companies should hold a Safety Management System (SMS) and Document of Compliance (DOC) issued by the Flag State Administration before being permitted to operate ships, that increased scrapping of antiquated and sub-standard ships should be speeded up, and that world wide regional Port State Control is now top priority. In particular there should be a total ban, effective world wide, on the re-registration of ships for commercial trading once they have been sold for scrap and demolition.
IFSMA also participates in the deliberations at the International Labour Organization (ILO) where recent work invovled the merger of all previous conventions and recommendations regarding seafarers into a single International Maritime Labour Convention.
IFSMA is also asked by various bodies all over the world to participate in seminars, conferences and producing training and educational courses.
Furthermore IFSMA is conscious of the needs for Shipmasters in the future and has joined with the Nautical Institute, Trinity House and the Honourable Company of Master Mariners in organising periodic Command Seminars. These Seminars are arranged every two years and visit a number of maritime centres around the world to seek the views of both mariners and the industry on how Shipmasters should be prepared to meet the needs of the 21st century.
IFSMA defines Shipmasters as those who are in possession of an Internationally recognised Certificate of Competency, issued by the Government of an established Maritime Nation who are serving or have previously served, in Command of Seagoing Ships whether or not engaged upon International or Domestic Trade.
Keywords:
Shipmasters, Shipmasters Associations, International Standards of Professional Competence, Safe Operational Practices, Preservation from Human Injury, Protection of the Marine Environment, Safety of Life, Property at Sea, Maritime Safety Committee, Maritime Environmental Protection Committee, The Legal Committee, Facilitation Committee, Council Meetings, Document of Compliance, Safety Management System, SMS, DOC