IHMA’s objectives 

The aim of IHMA is to unite those responsible for the safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound conduct of marine operations in port waters into one professional body to further the objectives of IHMA.

The Objectives of IHMA are to:
1 Promote the safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound conduct of marine operations in port waters;

2 Develop and foster collaboration and good relations among harbour masters world-wide;

3 Represent the professional views of harbour masters internationally, regionally and nationally;

4 Promote the professional standing and interests of harbour masters generally;

5 Collect, collate and supply information of professional interest to the membership and to provide any other service to the membership that may, from time to time, be deemed appropriate.

How do we achieve our objectives?
In four distinct ways:

1. With 200 members in 40 countries the Association strives to bring together all those who hold a managerial position in aspects of the control of Marine Operations within a port or its approaches whether through jurisdictional or legal responsibility
2. The Association seeks to develop and foster good relations between Harbour Masters world-wide and to represent the professional views of Harbour Masters
3. The Association has developed a programme of regular professional contacts with sister organisations within the Marine/Port Industry. In particular we have established Memoranda of Understanding with The International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA), The International Association of marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and The Nautical Institute (NI)
4. The Association has been granted Non – Governmental Consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) – the United Nations organisation which sets standards in the Marine world. The Association has a representative who attends those meetings which impact on our sphere of interest and represents the views of our Association at that Forum.