Shipping has essentially an international character and therefore states, whether they are coastal or land-locked, co-operate in this field. Until recently, co-operation was expressed through bilateral agreements between the states concerned. These agreements dealt with various problems such as the conditions of navigation, the use of ports, etc. In contemporary international relations such agreements still have important functions. However, the need for centralised organs to supervise and direct the activities arising from these agreements, led to the creation of international organisations which started modestly towards the end of the nineteenth century but reached considerable importance after the 1939-45 world war.

The essential feature of these organisations is the establishment of permanent organs to exercise the functions stated in their basic documents. Their structure varies greatly and they may be classified according to their objectives, status or membership. Thus, there are international, national, governmental and non-governmental organisations. Governmental organisations are composed of representatives acting under instructions from their governments, while non-governmental organisations consist of independent individuals owing allegiance to their institutions.

It is not the purpose of this article, nor would it be possible within its limits, to describe the internal structure and the activities of the various organisations concerned with shipping. The annual reports of these organisations can be consulted and they will give an accurate account of their activities1. However, the main purpose here is to find out whether we have too many organisations in shipping and to evaluate their contribution to the shipping industry.

Thus, we will deal firstly with the international organisations under three headings: United Nations Organs and Specialised Agencies; Intergovernmental organisations; and non-governmental organisations, and secondly with the national organisations in the United Kingdom.