What does IMSF mean in INTERNATIONAL

The International Maritime Statistics Forum (IMSF) is an international forum that brings together stakeholders from the maritime transportation industry to discuss, develop and promote best practices in maritime statistics. The IMSF is supported by the United Nations, International Maritime Organization, World Trade Organization, International Transport Workers' Federation and other governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations.

Through its members’ initiatives and activities, the IMSF promotes best practices in maritime statistics by developing uniform data collection and reporting standards across multiple jurisdictions; providing technical advice on methodological and statistical issues; encouraging collaboration between enforcement authorities, data custodians and users; creating awareness amongst governments of their roles and responsibilities for quality marine data; facilitating access to information needed to aid decision makers in policy design; facilitating capacity building through training programs focusing on maritime safety and environmental stewardship; and supporting research into improving marine statistical methods.

The United Nations plays a critical role within IMSF by providing policy support to member states through participation in meetings, making recommendations for improved statistical coverage of global trade flows, shipping safety events, carbon intensity reduction targets as well as proposing opportunities for capacity building.

The members of IMSF include public sector organisations such as government ministries with responsibility for transport and economy sectors; international organisations like UNCTAD or IMO; regulatory bodies responsible for specifying rules concerning marine navigation or trade ; scientific institutions working on topics related to marine safety or environment protection; classification societies who verify proper implementation of regulations by ship owners; etc.

Any person or institution interested in furthering our mission can join IMSF after submitting an application form that must be reviewed by our Steering Group. Once approved, new members will have access to resources available through the Forum such as information exchange among members or facilitated access to expert knowledge within our network.

The Steering Group consists of representatives from each major stakeholder group within IMSF including public sector organisations, private sector entities, international organisations such as UNCTAD or IMO, academic experts specialised on topics related tomarine safety or environment protection. Each representative serves three-year term with possibility for re-election subject to approval from existing members.