ISF is the principal international employers’ organisation for shipowners, whose membership comprises national shipowner and employer associations, through which structure it can uniquely and legitimately claim to speak for a significant majority of employers in international shipping.

The aim of ISF is to promote and represent the interests of shipowners and operators in matters pertaining to labour affairs, manning and training, and seafarers’ welfare, within the international shipping industry.  Its role of social partner at ILO gives it a specific platform to undertake these activities on behalf of the industry.

To that end, ISF will:

• ENCOURAGE the promotion of good employment practice on board ships and develop resources to assist shipowners and operators to ensure good practice in all activities including recruitment, training and  seafarers’ contracts.

• DEVELOP materials and policies which assist national associations with recruitment and training of seafarers.

• STRIVE for a regulatory environment which supports safe and secure shipping operations, protection of the environment, seafarers’ welfare and adherence to internationally adopted standards and procedures ensuring an international level playing field.

• SUPPORT such regulation of the employment relationship and seafarers’ welfare at the international level and oppose unilateral and regional action by governments which adversely has an impact upon  those whom ISF represents.

• PRESS for recognition of the commercial realities of shipping and the role of the seafarers and their representatives in helping to maintain a viable industry.

• PROMOTE the positive benefits of a career at sea.

• ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE with other organisations, both intergovernmental and non-governmental, in the pursuit of these objectives.

• COOPERATE with other bodies to ensure seafarers and shipowners are treated with dignity and respect and in accordance with international law.

• ANTICIPATE whenever possible and respond whenever appropriate to policies and actions which conflict with the above.