ISF is the only broad based international employers' organisation 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 fora where issues are regulated.

In the plethora of international organisations, ISF represents the employers' voice on industrial relations issues, proactively explaining and justifying employers' activities to the media. To others, ISF is an authority on the STCW Convention and assists with advice on its detailed technical requirements.

The ISF Secretariat also supports other international organisations, such as our sister organisation the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the International Maritime Employers' Committee (IMEC). While each organisation is quite independent, these links ensure an exchange of information and co-ordination to prevent overlap and duplication of effort.

Externally, ISF has consultative status with the International Labour Organization (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).

While the regulation of labour standards, and of medical or professional standards applying to seafarers, forms a key part of our work, providing information or guidance on industry manpower developments is equally important, in areas such as international wage rates, training developments or recruitment trends.

Our Council is the principal policy-making body meeting twice a year under the Chairmanship of the President. It comprises a representative of each ISF member association.

Two principal ISF Committees report to the Council to prioritise work undertaken, the Labour Affairs Committee and the Manning and Training Committee. Each meet at least twice each year and membership is open to all ISF member associations.

Any organisation which represents global interests must be impartial, be seen to acknowledge and accommodate different views and be able to exert influence in a measured, professional and consistent manner without regard to national or regional interests.

ISF, with national shipowner 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. 

Statement of Purpose