About IMPA
The association was formed thanks to the initiative of pilots' associations from the five continents whose representatives met in Kiel, Germany in June 1970. IMPA was officially launched in Amsterdam in May the following year. To date, it represents over 8,000 pilot members in 63 Associations across 54 countries.
IMPA is a non-profit making body with a truly international outlook. It seeks to achieve its principal objective - the promotion of professionally sound and safe pilotage - in two main ways.
Firstly, it brings together pilots' associations from around the world, enabling them to air common concerns, compare experiences and pool their expertise in order to formulate IMPA views and policies that are both convincing and practical to implement. Over the years, this approach has proved to be effective in encouraging pilots to practise their profession with the required confidence.
Secondly, IMPA has a formal voice in relevant international maritime fora. Particularly important has been its accredited consultative membership - since 1973 - at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO, which is a United Nations specialised agency with over 160 member states, is the recognised authority to set international standards of ship safety and vessel-source pollution prevention and control. IMPA delegates make lasting contributions to different aspects of the work of the organisation through their continued active participation in its many committee and sub-committee meetings and working groups.
About IMPA HQ
IMPA is privileged to have its headquarters on board the "HQS Wellington", a uniquely converted World War Two sloop moored alongside the River Thames at the Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment in Central London.
The "Wellington" is a unique maritime treasure chest of paintings and ships' models and other wonderful artefacts. It also boasts a collection of invaluable manuscripts and other historic documents.
Maritime people from around the world visit the ship on a daily basis. The "Wellington," which serves as the livery hall of The Honourable Company of Master Mariners, is a popular venue for work meetings, lectures, seminars, conferences, as well as social events, presented by a great many maritime associations and other professional institutions.
The ship is in walking distance from the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization at 4 Albert Embankment. From its open decks, visitors can enjoy splendid views of the City of London and St Paul's Cathedral to the East and, to the West, Westminster Palace and Big Ben and the capital's most popular Millennium attraction, the London Eye.
