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IHMA Membership

 

“The Association gives me the confidence that I have a huge resource of knowledge at my disposal. It gives me access to advice and knowledge from colleague Harbour Masters to support me in my role.

The constant interaction between Harbour Masters – exchanging views and ideas – the willingness of some to share information, the workshops on issues and finding of solutions to worldwide challenges, it all is extremely valuable to me.”

- IHMA Member

IHMA is the leading association dedicated to the needs of its members who hold managerial positions in marine operations and work in ports large and small, public and privately owned.

Not called a Harbour Master?

In different countries and languages, the Harbour Master may be known as the Capitaine du Port, Port Commander, Hafenkapitaen and so on, and the role normally associated with the title of Harbour Master may be undertaken by those described as their deputies as well as Marine Operations Managers, VTS Managers, Maritime Director, and there are many other titles. IHMA welcomes members who are not called Harbour Masters but work in port operations and may be at any stage in their career.

Why become a member of IHMA?

Members of IHMA may have a role in some or all of the following: the safety of navigation, vessel traffic control, shipping movements, port management, protection of the marine environment, the ship-shore interface, safety management and training, and in port security. Through our professional expertise and experience we provide valuable advice and services to our members.

Member Benefits

IHMA offers a wide range of benefits to its members.  Some of these are provided free of charge whilst others are offered at discounted rates:

Access to Members’ forum

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The members’ area of the Association’s website hosts an on-line forum where members can exchange information quickly and benefit from the knowledge and experience of other members. When a member posts a question, an alert email is sent to all members requesting a response. Posting an answer is quick and easy.

Biennial Congress

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The IHMA Congress, held every two years, offers a conference programme that presents quality professional papers on topical issues of direct relevance to members.

Congress provides a unique opportunity for members from around the world to discuss subjects of mutual concern and interest.

Congress is supported by an exhibition of the latest port and harbour equipment and services.

Members are eligible for discounted Congress and Seminar fees.

IMO, IHO and other projects

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IHMA has observer status at IMO and IHO.  Reports of the proceedings of IMO Committees are circulated to members and made available in the members’ only section of the website together with selected documents of interest to members.

Members are able to participate in IMO Working Groups and Correspondence Groups.

IHMA works to develop information and resources for its members, and the Association supports the participation of its members in these efforts in order to ensure that relevant information is developed and made available to members.

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Access to the Secretariat

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The Secretary is available to provide advice and information to all members.

IMO Working Groups and Correspondence Groups

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IHMA has observer status at IMO. Reports of the proceedings of IMO Committees are circulated to members and by arrangement, members are able to participate in IMO Working Groups and Correspondence Groups.

Professional Development

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International Diploma for Harbour Masters - IHMA discount and bursary. Members are eligible for a 15% discount on the cost of the International Diploma for Harbour Masters run by Lloyd's Maritime Academy. In addition members are invited to apply for bursaries awarded by IHMA.

Members are able to participate in cutting edge research and the development of projects of direct relevance to harbour masters. This may be in partnership with other organisations.

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Access to the IHMA’s Council

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Members of IHMA’s Council are keen to engage with and offer support to members.

Free job advertisements

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Members may advertise senior port operation positions free of charge on the IHMA’s website.

Commercial member benefits

The IHMA values a good relationship with companies developing products and services that may assist Full members in the performance of their professional duties. Commercial members are entitled to;

  • Access member names and profiles
  • Attend congress and seminars at members’ prices
  • Access congress papers and presentations
  • Have priority booking of stands at IHMA events at reduced costs
  • Provide speakers at IHMA Congresses and meetings, subject to the assessment of the Papers’ Committee
  • Become a sponsor of the Association
  • Advertise on the Association’s website at discounted rates
  • Publicise their products to members via the Secretary as agreed by ExCo
  • Receive assistance from the Association when submitting new equipment and products for evaluation and appraisal by Association members
  • Display on their stationery the current and official logo of the IHMA.
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IHMA Membership categories

Who can be a member?

The Association offers Full, Associate, Senior, Commercial and Honorary membership. Senior members must previously have been Full members, and Honorary members are elected by the members.

Membership of IHMA is available in the following categories:

Full Members icon

Full members

Rate £220

These members comprise the majority of the Association’s membership.

IHMA seeks to be inclusive of those who manage the marine operations of a port and / or its approaches.  Persons who hold a managerial position in marine operations and exercise jurisdiction over the frontage or water area of a port or port approach are eligible to become Full members of IHMA. In undertaking their role they often possess an authority conferred on them by law, regulations or rules.

Criteria

Someone meeting the criteria above may also become a Full member by being nominated to membership of IHMA by a National Administration.

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  • Access to Members’ forum
  • Observer status for IMO, IHO & other projects
  • Access to IHMA’s Council
  • Access to the Secretariat
  • Enhanced professional development
  • Free job advertisements
  • Discounted entry to IHMA events
  • Voting member status
Commercial members icon

Commercial members

Rate £520

Persons, organisations, companies and any other bodies that provide goods or services for reward in ways that assist members in the performance of their professional duties or who wish to support IHMA in the attainment of its aim and objectives are eligible to become commercial members.

Apply now

The IHMA values its well established and mutually beneficial relationships with companies developing products and services that may assist members in the performance of their professional duties. Commercial members are entitled to:

  • Attend congress & seminars at members’ prices
  • Congress papers and presentations
  • Access member names, contact details and profiles
  • Priority booking of stands at IHMA events at reduced costs
  • Provide speakers at IHMA Congresses and meetings, subject to the assessment of the Papers’ Committee
  • Become a sponsor of the Association subject to availability
  • Advertise on the Association’s website at discounted rates
  • Receive assistance from the Association when submitting new equipment and products for evaluation and appraisal by Association members
  • Be permitted to display on their stationery the current and official logo of the IHMA
National Administration Members/Members from multiple port organisations icon

National Administration Members/Members from multiple port organisations

Rate by arrangement

People meeting the requirements for Full membership but appointed to membership annually by a National Administration or an organisation that operates multiple ports.

Apply now

  • Access to Members' forum
  • Observer status for IMO, IHO & other projects
  • Access to IHMA's Council
  • Access to the Secretariat
  • Enhanced professional development
  • Free job advertisements
  • Discounted entry to IHMA events
  • Voting member status
Associate Members icon

Associate Members

Rate £110

Those who are not in a post qualifying them for Full membership but who consider that they can support the aim and objectives of IHMA may apply for Associate membership.

Apply now

  • Access to Members’ forum
  • Observer status for IMO, IHO & other projects
  • Access to IHMA's Council
  • Access to the Secretariat
  • Enhanced professional development
  • Discounted entry to IHMA events
Honorary members icon

Honorary members

Honorary Membership, which is a lifetime award, is reserved for persons who are not ordinarily eligible to become members of the Association and may be offered to anyone who has rendered meritorious service in the field of port, harbour or marine operations or to the Association.

  • Access to Members’ forum
  • Observer status for IMO, IHO & other projects
  • Access to IHMA's Council
  • Access to the Secretariat
  • Enhanced professional development
  • Discounted entry to IHMA events
Senior Members icon

Senior Members

These members are drawn from the ranks of the Full members, usually when vacating a post that qualified them for Full membership or on retirement. A Senior member must previously have been a Full member for at least two years.

  • Access to Members’ forum
  • Observer status for IMO, IHO & other projects
  • Access to IHMA's Council
  • Access to the Secretariat
  • Discounted entry to IHMA events

A 30 per cent discount is applied to the subscriptions of members resident in countries listed in the lower two quartiles of the United Nations’ Human Development Index. Further details can be obtained from the Secretary.

Combined national individual member subscriptions collected by a national point of contact and made as one payment are also eligible for a percentage reduction as agreed by ExCo.

Role of Harbour Master/ Port Operations Professional
Security
Port Call Optimisation
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Vessel Traffic Services
Safety
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Emergency Management
Environment

Become a Member

Join the world’s premier professional body for harbour masters and receive up-to-date information on the industry and access to the members' area of the website.

Become a sponsor

Become a sponsor of the IHMA today and reap the benefits for your business:

  • Worldwide exposure
  • Prominence on the IHMA website
  • Instant access to your services and products for your existing and potential customers
  • Access to the key decision makers on marine operations in Ports – the Harbour Master
  • The opportunity to showcase your services and products at an international congress every two years

Be a part of the future of a vibrant, respected, professional and influential maritime organisation...IHMA

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Latest Events

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria
OceanWise Charting Water Workshop

Brought to you by OceanWise and Brewzone Africa - Join the first Charting Water Workshop entitled “Harnessing Environmental Data for Hydrography" which is running on the 15th - 16th April 2024 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Lagos, Nigeria.

Bringing hydrography professionals together from all over West Africa, this intimate 2-day workshop will provide you with practical knowledge, guidance and best practice. You will enjoy a mix of presentations, round table discussions and training. Our expert speakers will guide you through the latest developments, technologies and methodologies used in hydrography, helping you understand the importance of accurate marine environmental monitoring data to support marine operations and national infrastructure. We will also have a number of key real-world case studies and local experts in attendance to provide some best practice and recent hands-on experiences.

Full details of the developing programme and registration can be found here on our Eventbrite page

Registration is now open. Spaces are limited so please register now to secure your place.

What will it cover?
This workshop will provide you with practical knowledge, guidance and best practice. You will enjoy a mix of presentations, round table discussions and training. Our expert speakers will guide you through the latest developments, technologies and methodologies used in hydrography, helping you understand the importance of accurate marine environmental monitoring data to support marine operations and national infrastructure.

Who is it for and why should I attend?
This is for professionals with an interest in Hydrography based in, or working in, West Africa.
Ideal for individuals from a variety of industries including Ports, Harbours, Inland Waterways, Oil and Gas, Education, Navy, Maritime Authorities, Research and Development etc etc
It offers a friendly and interactive environment to expand your knowledge, network with fellow professionals and collaborate on real-world case studies.

Gain valuable insights from industry experts, share your experiences, and receive a certification of completion on day two

How do I book?
Visit our Eventbrite page for full details and registration

QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai - Grand Foyer

Harbour Master & Towgae Conference

Hollywood Beach Marriott
Navtech Conference, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Navtech Conference 2023

Attention deep water and ocean towing masters, pilots, fleet management administrators, regulators and navigation operations professionals!

Join us in Fort Lauderdale for the maritime industry’s premier annual navigation forum!

Navtech, 5th and 6th December 2023, Hollywood Beach Marriott, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • Learn about developments in navigational best practices, technology and regulation.

  • Engage with the regulatory and manufacturing sectors about your experiences, and your challenges.

  • Get access to the operations sector that actually uses navigation hardware and software.

Tanger Med Port Centre, Morocco
IHMA Congress 2024

Join us on a marine adventure in Morocco. The 14th International Harbour Master Congress will take place at Tanger Med Port Centre from 21-24 May 2024. This year’s theme is The Marine Adventure – Evolving and Adapting to Change in Today’s Ports. You are welcome to come along for three days of presentations, deliberations and discussions covering every step of the port call process. On the fourth day, you can enjoy a guided tour of the Port of Tranger Med. To learn more, or to register for the event, please visit the IHMA Congress Website.

 

INTRODUCING TANGER MED

Tanger Med is the 1st port in Africa and in the Mediterranean.

It’s a global logistics gateway located on the Strait of Gibraltar and connected to more than 180 ports worldwide with handling capacities of: 9 million containers, exports of 1 million new vehicles, transit of 7 million passengers and 700,000 trucks on an annual basis.

CARGOES HANDLED

CONTAINER TRAFFIC: SURPASSING TEH 8 MILLION MARK

In 2023, Tanger Med Port processed 8,617,410 TEUs*, marking a growth of 13.4% compared to 2022. This remarkable achievement, equivalent to 95% of the port's nominal capacity, was accomplished 4 years ahead of targets.

The outstanding performance is attributed to the successful operations of terminals TC1 and TC4, managed by Maersk-APM, and the continuous development of terminal TC3, operated by Tanger Alliance (A joint venture owned by Marsa Maroc with a 50% stake, in partnership with Eurogate holding 40% and Hapag Lloyd holding 10%). Additionally, 2023 witnessed record productivity levels, surpassing monthly peaks of 800,000 TEUs handled.

RO-RO TRAFFIC ON THE RISE
In 2023, 477,993 trucks were processed, representing a 4.1% increase from 2022. Industrial product traffic saw a significant surge of 14.3% compared to the previous year, offsetting a 7.7% decrease in agribusiness product traffic.

INCREASE IN NEW VEHICLE TRAFFIC
The two vehicle terminals in the port complex handled 578,446 vehicles in 2023, reflecting a 21% increase from 2022. This traffic primarily includes 341,758 vehicles for export, produced by Renault factories in Melloussa and SOMACA in Casablanca, along with 176,208 vehicles exported by the Stellantis plant in Kénitra.

RISE IN SOLID AND LIQUID BULK TRAFFIC
Liquid bulk traffic experienced a 6% growth compared to 2022, a total of 9,838,157 tons of handled hydrocarbons. Simultaneously, solid bulk traffic witnessed a 44% increase from the previous year, totalling 581,042 tons processed.

PASSENGER TRAFFIC: RETURN TO NORMAL
In 2023, Tanger Med Port Complex welcomed 2,700,747 passengers, marking a 30% growth from 2022. This traffic has returned to pre-COVID-19 crisis levels.

GLOBAL TONNAGE: SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH
Tanger Med Port Complex handled 122 million tons of goods in 2023, reflecting a 13.6% increase from 2022, with 21% in Import/Export. This recorded global traffic is highest at the Strait of Gibraltar and across the Mediterranean. This traffic also represents more than half of the total tonnage handled by all ports in Morocco.

MARITIME TRAFFIC ON THE RISE
In 2023, a total of 16,900 ships called at Tanger Med Port Complex, marking a 17% growth from 2022, including 1,113 mega-ships (over 290 meters), representing a 16% increase from the previous year.

These results underscore the relevance of the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for this strategic project.
Tanger Med remains firmly focused on the future, ready to face new challenges and strengthen its position as a major logistics hub in Morocco and the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Crown Towers, Perth, Australia
AMPI

For 25 years AMPI has been recognised as the professional body for developing, setting and leading in the evolution of industry standards, safety management protocols and advising regulatory bodies on matters related to Marine Pilotage.

As a globally recognised organisation and partner of the International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA), we directly contribute to the work of the International Maritime Organisation. With over 260 active pilot members, we have the experience and know-how to develop widely recognised industry guidelines including initial and continual pilotage training standards. AMPI continues to influence the development of world-leading practice and in doing so brings a higher level of safety to the ports and regions where our members operate.

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Download the IHMA Constitution

The IHMA constitution sets out the establishment of a region of the IHMA, the committee role and authority, its formation and management.

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Latest News & Events

Steve Rushbrook never predicted he would become a Harbour Master, let alone in one of the southernmost ports in the world. His career pathway to becoming a Harbour Master for New Zealand’s Otago Regional Council shows what is possible for those with less conventional backgrounds.

As part of the refurbishment for the operations and maintenance (O&M) base for the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, Inland and Coastal Marina Systems (ICMS) has installed a floating concrete breakwater within the Port of Newhaven to provide safe berthing facilities for crew transfer vessels (CTVs).