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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.

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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
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

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 EventBrite Page.

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

Containers

In 2021 7,173,870 TEU were handled in Tanger Med port complex, up by 24% compared to 2020. This traffic results from the steady increase of Tanger Med 2 port after the successive commissioning of the terminals TC4 in 2019 and TC3 in 2021.

This result confirms the leadership of Tanger Med in the Mediterranean and Africa, and consolidates the position of this major hub for global maritime alliances led respectively by Maersk Line, CMA CGM and Hapag Lloyd.

Tonnage

In 2021 101,054,713 tons of goods were handled for the first time in Tanger Med port complex, an increase of 25% compared to 2020. Indeed, the tonnage handled by Tanger Med port complex represents more than 50% of the overall tonnage handled by all Moroccan ports.

Trucks

The port complex handled 407,459 trucks in 2021, a rise of 14% compared to 2020. This traffic was mainly driven by the resumption of industrial exports as well as by the good performance of the agricultural season and agro-industrial exports.

Cars

Regarding new vehicles 429,509 were handled at the two vehicle terminals of Tanger Med port in 2021, an increase of 20% compared to the previous year. The traffic included: 278,651 Renault vehicles including 250,532 for export. A rise in exports of PSA vehicles totalled 100,030 cars.

Liquid bulk

Liquid bulk traffic has increased by 9% compared to 2020. It recorded a total traffic of 8,744,900 tons of hydrocarbons handled.

Solid bulk

Solid bulk traffic recorded a total of 342,804 tons processed, an increase of 13% compared to 2020 driven by the traffic of steel coils, wind blades and grain.

Traffic

Growing maritime traffic saw 10,902 vessels calling at Tanger Med in 2021, up by 12% from 2020. Over the past year, the port complex has welcomed nearly 929 mega-ships (over 290 metres loa).

The position of Tanger Med

This performance above accomplished during 2021 affirms the position of the port complex as a major strategic hub emphasising its role as a key logistics platform serving the nations logistic competitiveness.

Achievements are the result of the continued collaboration of all partners of Tanger Med port complex, particularly ship owners, concessionaires, local authorities and administrations.

 

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.

Mayflower Park, Southampton, UK
SeaWork UK 2023

SeaWork

The 24th edition of Europe’s largest on-water commercial marine and workboat exhibition, is a proven platform to build business networks. Delivering an international audience of visitors supported by our trusted partners, Seawork is the meeting place for the commercial marine and workboat sector. 

Seawork encompasses 12,000m2 of undercover halls featuring 600 exhibitors and over 70 vessels and items of floating plant & equipment on the quayside and pontoons

Features include:

  • The European Commercial Marine Awards (ECMAs) and Innovations Showcase.
  • The Conference programme helps visitors to keep up to date with the latest challenges and emerging opportunities.
  • The Careers & Training Day on Thursday 15 June 2023 delivers a programme focused on careers in the commercial marine industry.
  • Speed@Seawork on Monday 12 June at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes offers a sector specific event for fast vessels operating at high speed for security interventions and Search & Rescue.

For more information and to register to attend see:

Seawork.com

2023 Dates & Times
09:30 - 17:30 Tuesday 13 June 2023
09:30 - 17:30 Wednesday 14 June 2023
09:30 - 16:00 Thursday 15 June 2023

Exhibition Address
Mayflower Park
Southampton, 
SO14 2AN, United Kingdom

Contact

Commercial Marine Sales Team:
Tel: +44 1329 825 335 sales@seawork.com
  Exhibition Manager:  Fay Reeve
  Tel: +44 1329 825 335  
freeve@seawork.com
  Press, PR & Social Media Team:
  Tel: +44 1329 825 335
  
press@seawork.com

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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.

Latest News & Events

Harbour Master & Towage Conference

Under the patronage of the Minsitry of Energy & Infrastructure and hosted by Fichte & Co and RAK Ports in cooperation with KOTUG.

FIND OUT MORE

Latest News & Events

The main approach channel and Berths 8&9 at Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe have been deepened to improve access for the world’s largest container ships.

The announcement was formally made today (4 October 2023) during the maiden call at the port of its namesake the OOCL Felixstowe, the latest in a series of 24,188 TEU mega container vessels operated by Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (“OOCL”).

Under the patronage of the Minsitry of Energy & Infrastructure and hosted by Fichte & Co and RAK Ports…