Maritime Directory

Houston, Texas, United States

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is one of the world's leading ship classification societies. It is a not-for-profit, independent technical organization, which provides a unique service without counterpart in any other field of industry or commerce. Briefly stated, ABS establishes and administers standards, known as Rules, for the design, construction, and periodic survey of hsips and other marine structure. Classification is process which certifies adherence to these Rules, thus representing that a ship or other type of marien structure possesses the structural and mechanical integrity required for its intended service. A classed vessel is, therefore, one that provides for both the safety of personnel and cargoes carried, as well as helps to protect the enviornment in which it may operate. Because of the way it is organized and operated, ABS maintains an impartial and uncompromised postion in performing classification services around the world. In this way, ABS effectively acts as a self-regulatory agency to the international marine community, both private and public, in promoting the safety of life, property, and protecting the environment. In support of its classification and related services, ABS offers a broad range of technical services to assist owners, operators, shipyards and others in designing, building, operating and maintaining their vessels safety and effectively. Additionally an affiliate of ABS, ABS Group, provides inspection, certification, verification, assessment, quality assurance, and consultation services to the marine and non-marine industries worldwide.

Vancouver,, BC, Canada

Bernard LLP is a Vancouver-based law firm founded in 2002. Our lawyers have a unique practice mix with a focus on specific industries including shipping, health care, and insurance. We provide a broad range of legal services such as emergency response, regulatory compliance, claims handling, litigation, and corporate and commercial support for our clients’ business needs.

Ottawa, ON, Canada

The mandate of the Canadian Shipowners Association (CSA) is to promote an economic and competitive Canadian marine transportation industry. In keeping with this mandate, the Association supports a national policy conducive to the development and maintenance of the Canadian flag merchant fleet in the inland, coastal and Arctic waters of Canada, in an effort to foster the growth of a Canadian flag merchant fleet. The CSA monitors Canadian and U.S. government legislative and regulatory actions, initiatives by various inter-national marine organizations, political trends and public policy relating to navigation, safety and the Canadian shipping environment. In addition, it conducts strategic communications and public relations campaigns.

Savannah, GA, United States

Safety & Regulatory Consultants offering OPA 90, ISM, ISPS assistance.

Seattle, WA, United States

Elliott Bay Design Group provides naval architecture, marine engineering and production support for the commercial marine industry, serving owners, operators, shipyards and government agencies. Our marine experts provide economical construction and operations support, coupled with a thorough understanding of the changing regulatory environment for vessel owners and operators.

New York, NY, United States

Energy Intelligence Group is a publishing and information services company that produces and distributes news, data and analysis on international energy markets with a specialization on the geopolitics of petroleum and natural gas

Washington,, D.C., United States

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent regulatory agency responsible for the regulation of oceanborne transportation in the foreign commerce of the U.S. The principal statutes or statutory provisions administered by the Commission are: the Shipping Act of 1984, the Foreign Shipping Practices Act of 1988, section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, and Public Law 89-777.

United States

Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation is a leading environmental consulting, engineering and remediation firm employing more than 2,200 dedicated professionals in 25 U.S. offices and 19 international locations. We provide our clients with a full range of traditional and innovative services, that are delivered cost effectively, timely and in compliance with applicable regulations and requirements. These services include regulatory compliance and permitting; air, water and wastewater engineering; assessments and investigations; remediation and remedial design; project management; and systems operations and maintenance. Foster Wheeler Environmental is a subsidiary of Foster Wheeler, a global company offering a broad range of design, engineering, construction, project development and management, research, plant operations and environmental services.

Wanchai, Hong Kong, China

The Hong Kong Shippers' Council was established in 1967 and incorporated as a separate entity in June 1976. Its forerunner was the Freight Joint Committee formed by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries in 1961. The Hong Kong Shippers' Council evolved from this committee. The aims and objectives for the establishment of the Council are to protect and promote the interests of Hong Kong exports and importers, traders and manufacturers in matters relating to the transportation of merchandise by sea, land and air. The Council has worked towards establishing a level playing field between shippers and service providers, such as the shipping lines and airfreight carriers. The Council is an independent organisation of international status, with open membership. The Council represents Hong Kong shippers overseas and is a member of regional and international shippers' councils like the Global Shippers' Network and the Federation of ASEAN Shippers' Councils (FASC). The Council works together with other shippers' councils towards shaping the regulatory environment on issues relating to the shipping and transportation of goods on a local, regional and global level.

Pennsauken, NJ, United States

Hudson Trident is a multinational maritime joint venture partnership specializing in security suveys and threat assessments.

Shelter Island Heights, New York, United States

IBJ Associates is a management consulting firm that specializes in ferry systems, as well as other domestic passenger vessel services both in the U.S. and abroad. IBJA's experts have experience and skills appropriate for all facets of private and publicly owned passenger vessel enterprises.

Sandton City,, Sandton, South Africa

IQPC provides business executives around the world with tailored practical conferences, large scale events, topical seminars and in-house training programs, keeping them up-to-date with industry trends, technological developments and the regulatory landscape. IQPC’s large scale conferences are market leading “must attend” events for their respective industries.

London,, England,, United Kingdom

IQPC provides business executives around the world with tailored practical conferences, large scale events, topical seminars and in-house training programs, keeping them up-to-date with industry trends, technological developments and the regulatory landscape. IQPC’s large scale conferences are market leading “must attend” events for their respective industries.

New York,, New York, United States

The Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) is the trade association for the international container and chassis leasing industry. It is active in governmental, regulatory, and technical fields throughout the world. IICL has been active in equipment quality issues, inspector certification, electronic commerce, technical publishing and environmental concerns since 1971. IICL membership engages in leasing marine cargo containers and chassis to ship operators and others on a broad international basis. Members own the great majority of the fleet of the container leasing industry and a large percentage of the world container fleet. Members also own a very high percentage of U.S. leased container chassis. For more information on the IICL or to order IICL technical manuals, please visit our website.

Los Angeles, CA, United States

There are many factors that contribute to the successful rigging and handling of materials. We have provided an extensive general information section to assist you. Other necessary ingredients are products for the professional rigger who knows that there is no substitute for quality. An online catalog is provided, with our complete catalog, available on request. Check the Lift-It® newsletter for the latest developments in sling technology, upcoming seminars and regulatory issues of key importance. We do our utmost to provide only the best synthetic products. Stringent production standards, written quality control and inspection procedures, and material traceability systems clearly express our commitment to excellence. Please match our efforts and rig every load responsibly.

Seattle, WA, United States

Founded in 1994, Maritime Training Services produces and distributes high quality onboard crew training materials that address key safety, regulatory, and operational issues facing the maritime Industry. Maritime Training Services' products are used every day on hundreds of ships around the globe to improve safety and reduce costs.

Pleasant Prairie, WI, United States

Ocenco, Inc. is a world leader in internationally approved respiratory protection equipment of all types for military, industry, maritime, and fire fighting applications. Ocenco products set new standards in reliability, performance and safety, while exceeding international regulatory requirements. Ocenco is committed to manufacturing the world's finest safety equipment for hazardous environments. For over thirty years, we have designed and manufactured equipment to protect those working in hazardous environments. We are proud of our reputation for reliability, safety, innovation and industry leadership. Browse our product pages for information on Escape Respiratory Protection equipment including the unique M-20.2 Emergency Escape Breathing Device.

Sydney, NSW, Australia

The major focus of Shipping Australia, as a peak industry body, is both to promote and advance the interests of ship owners and shipping agents in all matters of shipping policy and safe ship operations. Shipping Australia’s members cover many of the major Australian and international ship owners, operators and agency companies involved in bulk, tanker, general cargo shipping, container, passenger and tramp trades, covering liner conference and independent services. Llew Russell - CEO Shipping Australia It also provides Secretariat services to the many liner companies and agencies that are members of conferences, consortia and joint services that have their agreements registered under Part X of the Australian Trade Practices Act. It is in a unique position to reflect the views of all shipping companies servicing the Australian trades and to effectively represent their needs. Shipping Australia keeps their members informed of developments affecting the industry and represents the industry on many committees involving governments, port authorities and other government and non-government bodies. It also has close working relationships with many organisations (both national and international) that work with or in support of the shipping industry. The membership includes many valued associate corporate members and individuals who provide services to shipping or have an interest in the activities of the industry. Shipping Australia also provides a forum for discussion and the exchange of information between members and other parties, researches and compiles data on the industry and maintains formal contacts between the industry, interest groups and the general public. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Objectives -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shipping Australia’s objectives are to influence government and other bodies to adopt policies that: Support and promote the development of a regulatory environment which supports the reliable supply of efficient shipping services. Implement and support actions taken which are aimed at reducing the costs of shipping services. Improve the quality of service to Australia’s exporters and importers. Expand the opportunities for shipping services focusing on world’s best practice and safe operating procedures. Raise the image and public perception of the shipping industry. Expand the information and databases of value to its members. Cooperate with all government and non-government organizations in the pursuit of these objectives. Ensure that any legislation/regulations adopted in Australia have a positive impact on shipping and are in accordance with Australia’s international obligations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Benefits -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shipping Australia helps shape and promote the policies of the shipping industry in Australia and internationally. The exchange of information between members and the timely advice on developments that might impact on the industry is an invaluable service provided by Shipping Australia. While some issues are company specific and members may choose to handle them individually they know that Shipping Australia can offer them either administrative support or more broad based industry support from all members becoming involved through the committee process. However the savings that Shipping Australia are able to achieve for shipping companies of whatever type or nationality, amount to many millions of dollars and represent excellent value for all members. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contribution To The Australian Economy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shipping Australia represents an industry that makes a massive contribution to the Australian economy. It carries more than $155 billion worth of cargo in and out of Australia each year; It employs more than 14,000 people either at sea or onshore; It carries more than 150 thousand passengers each year; It carries more than 3 million containers (20 Foot Equivalent Units) every year; It carries more than 485 million tonnes of bulk cargo each year; and There are more than 22,000 ship visits to Australian ports each year

Montreal,, PQ,, Canada

The Shipping Federation of Canada is the pre-eminent voice of shipowners and agents involved in Canada's overseas trade. The Federation has a core membership of eighty-five Canadian companies that own, operate or act as agents for some 300 steamship lines throughout the world. The Federation also has a significant number of affiliated members who are either directly involved in the maritime industry or work in areas closely related thereto. The Federation's mandate is to promote and protect the interests of its members by forging consensus on emerging issues, and working with governments to develop policies, laws and regulations that enable the industry to flourish as a key contributor to the Canadian economy. The Federation's main activities include the dissemination of information to members on general and technical matters, representation of members' interests before government and other regulatory authorities, monitoring of relevant policy and legislative developments, communicating with media and other maritime organizations, development and delivery of training courses and educational programs, and provision of advice / support on technical and operational matters.

Williamsport, PA, United States

e-Maritime provides essential industry-specific federal regulatory information in a fully integrated and searchable reference database. It consists of the following CFR titles, in whole or in part; 19, 29, 30, 33, 35, 40, 46, 47, 49 and 50, and United States Code (USC) Titles, plus Coast Guard forms and guidance documents.

New London, Connecticut, United States

The Thames Maritime Coalition has wide membership, comprising of any member of the Thames River maritime community with an interest in the safety, security, environmental well being, recreational uses and commercial viability of the Thames River. This includes local pilots, harbormasters, state and federal regulatory agencies, vessel agents, pilots, facility operators, shipyards, fishermen, longshoremen, educational/research organizations, yacht/beach clubs, and ferry, tug and charter boat operators.

New York, NY, United States

TRADEPAQ provides rules based documentation and settlement automation solutions that help companies get paid faster, increase capital efficiency, decrease fulfillment lead times, and reduce operating costs.

Fairfax, VA, United States

The Cornell Group is a management consulting firm providing Privatization assistance, Port Planning, Institutional and Regulatory Restructuring, Economic Restructuring, Investment Planning and Infrastructure Development advice to senior management in the Port, Waterways, Aviation, Rail and Intermodal Transportation Industries.

London, United Kingdom

Formation 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 not a trade union. It is a non-profit making, apolitical organisation dedicated solely to the interest of the serving shipmaster. Over 8000 Shipmasters from more than 40 Countries are affiliated to IFSMA either through their National Associations (36) or as Individual Members (55). Purpose IFSMA is a Federation established to uphold International Standards of Professional Competence for Seafarers commensurate with the need to ensure Safe Operational Practices, Preservation from Human Injury, Protection of the Marine Environment and Safety of Life and Property at Sea. IMO Status IFSMA was Granted Consultative Status at IMO in 1975. This Consultative Status enables the Federation to represent the views and protect the interests of the serving Shipmasters unfettered and unfiltered either by National Governments or by Labour Organizations. To enable IFSMA to function effectively at IMO, it is represented in the Four Main Committees (MSC-MEPC-LEG-FAL) by the General Secretary and a team of former Shipmasters who also attend the Nine Sub-Committees (BLG - COMSAR - DE - DSC - FP - FSI - NAV - SLF - STW). When needed serving Shipmasters provide additional expertise in the various Working and Drafting Groups. IMO Involvement Top of Page IFSMA provided a Consultant to assist in the Comprehensive Review and Revision of the 1978 STCW Convention, and actively participated in the Joint ICAO/IMO Group of Experts on the Harmonization of Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue. IFSMA also sat on the Steering Committee on Ro-Ro Ferry Safety which supervised the work of the Panel of Experts and made recommendations to MSC 65. This was without cost to IMO and was, for some two years an additional commitment to our normal work of representing Shipmasters' views on this International Platform. IMO Missions Top of Page IFSMA has now provided TWO MARITIME SPECIALISTS, each forming part of an IMO NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAMMING TEAM within the framework of IMO's Integrated Technical Co-Operation Programme (ITCP). The first Mission was to Bulgaria (Black Sea) in December 1995 and the second Mission was to Ukraine and Georgia (CIS/Eastern Europe) in January/February 1996. IMO Studies Top of Page IFSMA prepared papers on the safety of double-hull tankers for both IMO and the USCG when discussions on this subject were at their peak in 1991. It submitted with IMPA a Joint Paper on Bridge Information Display to NAV38 and, with the Government of the Bahamas, it amended Towing Guidelines which had been proposed earlier in 1992 by Germany. In 1993 IFSMA devised a Bulk Carrier Ship-Shore Checklist for MSC62 and submitted a BESMA Paper on Quality Management in Seafarers' Training to STW25. IMO Papers Top of Page In 1994 IFSMA submitted 12 separate Papers on various aspects of Loading and Unloading Bulk Cargoes for the attention of BC33. These produced four MSC Circulars. At the end of 1995 IFSMA, Co-Sponsored by ICS and ICFTU, submitted a paper on Black Sea Search and Rescue to COMSAR 1 while a second paper on amendments to the IMOSAR and MERSAR Manuals was submitted jointly by ICS and IFSMA. A comprehensive ACOMM Technical Paper on Modifications to the Freeboard and Stability Rules of medium sized ships will be submitted to IMO in the Spring of 1996 for discussion at SLF 40 in September this year. IMO and IFSMA Objectives Top of Page IFSMA is a strong supporter of IMO in its quest for safer shipping and cleaner oceans. It is the desire of The Federation to assist IMO in achieving a truly global implementation and rigorous enforcement of its International Treaties so that there is no need for any Country to resort to Regulatory Measures on either a National or a Regional basis. IFSMA has much approved of the Secretary-General's initiative to speed up Entry into Force and Amendment procedures, and continues to fully support his initiatives for a thorough and comprehensive review of Bulk Carrier Safety and Ro-Ro Ferry Safety in all their aspects. Policy Top of Page IFSMA has long held the firm belief that Shipowners and Ship Management Companies should hold a Safety Management Document of Compliance 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. Shipmasters Defined Top of Page 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. Shipmaster's Status in IFSMA Top of Page Once a man has risen to the rank of Shipmaster he is forever entitled to belong to IFSMA and there is no requirement in our Statutes for the periodic revalidation of his Certificate of Competency (as there is in the STCW Convention). But if he were to lose his licence due to negligence, incompetence, or misconduct then he would no longer qualify for membership of the Federation. Other Organisations Top of Page Trade Unions, National Associations, Professional Institutes and Learned Societies are all equally welcome as Shipmasters Organizations in affiliation with IFSMA and there is no distinction made between them. 21st March 1996

Arlington, VA, United States

The National Industrial Transportation League was formed in 1907 to represent the interests of shippers before government regulatory agencies. With the advent of deregulation and globalization, however, the League has evolved into a broad-based advocacy organization for freight transportation. Earlier this year, the membership adopted Vision 2020, a sweeping proposal to change the structure of the organization. Now all companies involved in freight transportation are eligible for full, voting membership in the League. The roles of carriers, shippers and intermediaries are increasingly blurred and intertwined, so the League membership has been expanded to allow for more cooperative efforts, because through the promotion of a safe, efficient freight transportation industry, the needs of shippers, and the entire economy, are best met. It is anticipated that the new organization will become the forum where issues of mutual interest will be discussed and new creative solutions will be formed to benefit the entire U.S. economy. The League also has added a membership category for Affiliates, which includes, individuals who are interested in matters connected with the shipment or receipt of commodities and/or the purchase of transportation services. To receive information on becoming a League member; getting a copy of the Annual Report; exhibiting at TransComp; advertising in League publications; ordering a list, labels, or diskette containing the names and addresses of League members and affiliates; or ordering the Rail Users' Manual, please contact the League at (703) 524-5011 or via e-mail at info@nitl.org.