Major Institutions
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The major institutions supporting international and UK maritime industries include:
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
As a specialised agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
In other words, its role is to create a level playing-field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
Established in 1921, ICS is the global trade association for shipowners and operators in all sectors and trades, representing the world’s national shipowner associations and over 80 % of the world merchant fleet. ICS has members from around 40 countries.
UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA)
The UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT), which produces marine legislation and guidance as well as providing certification to ships and seafarers.
Through their survey and inspection regime, MCA enforces standards for ship safety, security, pollution prevention and seafarer health, safety and welfare. MCA also promotes maritime standards, encourages economic growth and minimises the maritime sector’s environmental impact.
In addition, MCA provides a 24-hour maritime and coastal search and rescue emergency coordination and response service for the United Kingdom.
MCA provides information on training and certification at: Training and Certification
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
The USCG is a service branch of the United States Armed Forces, with a brief including maritime safety and security, search and rescue, law enforcement and environmental stewardship. As an adaptable, responsive military force of maritime professionals, the USCG’s presence and impact is local, regional, national and international.
The UK Chamber of Shipping is the trade association and voice of the UK shipping industry, with more than 180 members from across the maritime sector.
Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB)
The MNTB is a voluntary body and a part of the UK Chamber of Shipping, the trade association for the UK shipping industry. It works closely with shipping and ship management companies, nautical educational establishments and organisations, seafarer trade unions, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and industry organisations with an interest in seafarer education and training.
The MNTB also provides the link to government departments and bodies involved with the shipping industry as well as those involved with the UK skills agenda and education and training developments.
This includes the Department for Transport (DfT), the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) , and UK education regulatory authorities and bodies. The MNTB also works closely with the Maritime Skills Alliance to achieve joint aims with partner organisations in the maritime sector
United Kingdom (UK) P & I Club
The UK P&I Club is one of the oldest Protection & Indemnity clubs in the world, having been founded in 1869.
It provides mutual insurance in respect of third party liabilities and expenses arising from owning ships or operating ships as principals. One of the largest mutual marine protection and indemnity organisations, it insures over 200 million tonnes of owned and chartered ships from more than fifty countries across the globe.
Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
Founded in 1875, the RYA is the UK’s national body for all forms of boating, including dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, powerboat racing, windsurfing, canal and river boat cruising, and personal watercraft.
