How to Join IMPA

The IMPA Constitution requires that only National Pilot Associations can be members of IMPA and there is no provision for individual members.

Application for membership should be made to the Secretary General by letter or fax, signed by the Chairman or Secretary of your Association, and should contain information regarding:

• The structure of your Pilot Association
• The number of Pilots in your Association

The IMPA Executive will then consider each application. On their agreement a declaration form and invoice for subscription will be issued, and on receipt of these an acceptance letter and Membership Certificate will be sent.

Benefits of IMPA Membership

The Maritime Industry is global and IMPA is recognised as the only global representative of Maritime Pilots. We use the resources of our membership to promote effective safety outcomes in pilotage as an essential public service. To date IMPA represents over 8000 maritime pilots in 63 Associations across 54 countries.

IMPA has a formal voice in relevant international maritime fora. Particularly important has been its accredited consultative membership - since 1973 - at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO, which is a United Nations specialised agency with over 160 member states, is the recognised authority to set international standards of ship safety and vessel-source pollution prevention and control. IMPA delegates make lasting contributions to different aspects of the work of the organisation through their continued active participation in its many committee and sub-committee meetings and working groups.

In addition, by means of bi-ennial conferences IMPA brings together pilots' associations from around the world, enabling them to air common concerns, compare experiences and pool their expertise in order to formulate IMPA views and policies that are both convincing and practical to implement.

The IMPA Executive and Secretariat are dedicated to promoting the IMPA beliefs that:

• The public interest is best served by a fully regulated and cohesive pilotage service free of commercial pressure.
• There is no substitute for the presence of a qualified pilot on the bridge.
• IMO is the prime authority in matters concerning safety of international shipping.
• All states should adopt a responsible approach based on proven safety strategies in establishing their own regulations, standards and procedures with respect to pilotage.
• Existing and emerging information technologies are capable of enhancing on-board decision making by the maritime pilot.