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last updated 16 August, 2004
1.1 Intercargo was founded in 1980 for the purpose of promoting and protecting the interests of its Members, to co-operate with other international shipowners organisations as appropriate, and, so far as possible, to avoid duplication.
1.2 The growth of the Association since then, and other factors require that qualifications for Membership and obligations attaching to Membership should be set out in this 'Members Charter'.
1.3 It is a requirement that Members accept the terms of this Charter.
1.4 It is the general aim of this Charter that Membership shall be synonymous with quality and integrity in all aspects of Members' vessels, operations and administration.
2.1 The following basic conditions attach to full Membership:
- Acceptance of the principle of free, fair and open competition.
- Owner/manager/operator of one or more dry bulk ships (including ore/oil or oil/bulk/ore carriers) or having new building dry bulk ships on order, of not less than 3000 tonnes, engaged in tramping operations.
- Quality ships and operation.
- Vessels classed with an IACS Member Society.
- Vessels entered with a P & I Club which is a 'Member of the International Group'.
2.2 Membership commences once an application has been approved by the Executive Committee and the appropriate dues have been paid.
2.3 Membership shall cease at the discretion of the Executive (other than by the Member giving appropriate notice as below) if:
- Dues are outstanding for 9 months following a warning after six months.
- The Members operation is adjudged to be of insufficient standing or quality.
- For any other reason continued Membership is not in the interests of the Association.
2.4 Decisions as to expulsion of Members, or turning down applications, shall be taken by the Executive Committee which shall not be required to give any reasons.
3.1 The following obligations shall attach to Membership:
- Payment of dues fully (in accordance with the requirement under the Constitution to declare all qualifying ships under ownership, management, operation or control) and on time.
- Support and promote the work of the Association.
- Participate in its work in order that it may attain its objectives.
- Keep the Association informed, so far as reasonably practicable, of fleet changes which affect the level of dues payable.
- To give the requisite six months notice in the event of wishing to terminate membership.
3.2 Membership is a two way matter. Whilst the Association undertakes to perform the functions set out below, it looks towards the Members to be active and to support it generally as well as in the specific ways mentioned.
4.1 The Association, through its Executive Committee and permanent Administration undertakes for its part to provide a service in accordance with the Constitution and for the furtherance of its aims and objectives and the interests of its Members to include in particular that:
- The office and administration is run in an effective and cost efficient manner on the basis of an agreed annual budget and fees.
- Members are informed through the monthly Bulletin and/or in other ways of developments which may effect their commercial interests.
- Issues of importance are highlighted for the membership.
- Discussions are continued with Classification Societies on all matters that concern the membership as a whole.
- It will discuss with Port State Control authorities (US Coast Guard, Paris MOU nations and so on) their port state control procedures with a view to avoiding unnecessary delays or stoppages, targeting for trivial matters and ensuring, so far as possible, uniform rules between different authorities.
- It represents Members' interests in IMO, UNCTAD or other intergovernmental fora as necessary.
- It develops and maintains good relations with other international shipowners organisations and, so far as possible, avoids duplication.
- It maintains a mechanism whereby Members, prior to fixing, can obtain an authoritative assessment of the bona fides of a prospective charterer and other business partners.
- It uses its collective weight when feasible in order to assist a Member in the resolution of a commercial dispute.
- It holds itself available to give advice to Members on such matters as may be put to it.
- It continues to develop the Association in such other ways as may benefit the Membership as a whole.
- It will provide such new services to Members as from time to time the Executive Committee shall decide.
- It maintains an open and frank relationship with the Press and Media explaining difficulties as well as achievements.
4.2 It also undertakes to set up, administer and organise Seminars, Conferences, delegations to other organisations or countries of benefit to individual Members and Members as a whole and to Report thereon.
4.3 It further undertakes through its officers and administration to participate in events organised by others which are of benefit to the Membership or may help to promote the Association.
Full Membership Application Form
Associate Membership Application Form
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