International Association of Marine and Shipping Professionals is the Professional Body for Marine and Shipping Professionals world-wide. The association is an independent, non-political organization. The aims of the Association are : Actively represent and promote the interests of the Association's members to the local and international communities Foster close co-operation among Members of the Association Promote regular programmers to improve productivity, technology, skills upgrading and to raise safety, health and environmental standards Participate actively in community programmers Strengthen co-operation among various sectors of the maritime industry Advocate and lobby on behalf of members and the industry Focus on safety performance and provide tools for continuous improvement raise awareness of and drive improved environmental performance Provide members with advisory services and networking forums