Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS)

Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS)

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) established in 1911. At that time London was, as now, a center of many shipping activities and it was also a thriving port with busy berths along both banks of the Thames right up to the center of the London. But London was not the only town where the business of shipping played an important part. At many ports, especially those involved with Britain’s extensive coal export trade, there were shipping exchanges for the chartering of tramps and offices acting as agents for them when they called. None of those provincial centers handled the volume of business transacted on London’s Baltic Exchange but they all shared a common desire to form an organization devoted to the maintenance of the same ethical standards for which the Baltic was famous. Thus it was that the different local associations of shipbrokers came together in 1911 and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) was formed.

It soon became apparent that the maintenance of standards needed more than simply the mutual desire and agreement to act in an ethical manner so that a programme of education and training was devised. Having now formed itself into an organization with the dual aims of education and the discipline involved in the maintenance of standards, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) was able to approach the Privy Council from whom it received its first Royal Charter in 1920.

The Privy Council, whose origins go back to the 16th Century, is a uniquely British body. It is the highest-ranking committee in the country presided over by the reigning sovereign and granting Royal Charters is a small but nonetheless important aspect of its work. The charter enables the Institute as the bye-laws state “To devise and impose means for testing the qualifications of candidates for admission to professional membership by examination in theory and practice…” and to “…exercise professional supervision over the Members of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) and secure for them such definite professional standing as may assist them in the discharge of their duties.

The professional standing which the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) is able to confer comprises Membership (MICS) for those who pass the qualifying examinations and satisfy the Council that they are ‘fit and proper persons’ which includes a period of service in shipping. Those who attain positions of influence in the profession may apply for promotion to Fellowship (FICS) and may then call themselves Chartered Shipbrokers.

Since 1920, shipping has become more complex to the extent that the name shipbroker which at one time was thought to apply only to those engaged in chartering dry cargo tramp ships now embraces separate specializations in tanker chartering, ship management, sale & Purchase, port agency and liner trades. Each of these ‘disciplines’ is now examined separately in the qualifying examinations.

In 1989, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) succeeded in obtaining an amendment to its Royal Charter which permitted several changes in the bye-laws, one of which was the formation of an additional class of membership for Companies which enables the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) truly to represent the interests of firms and corporations. The most important amendment was, however, the removal of the limitation which restricted membership only to UK and the Commonwealth so that citizens of any country in the world may now be granted admission provided they fulfill the membership qualifications. This has enabled the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) to become truly international. Further information about the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) can be obtained from www.ics.org.uk

What is Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS)?

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) is a professional body for individuals working in the shipping industry. It was founded in London in 1911 and has since expanded to become an international organization with branches in over 30 countries. The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) provides education and training programs for those seeking to become professional shipbrokers, as well as for those who are already working in the industry and wish to advance their knowledge and skills. The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) also promotes professional standards and ethics within the shipping industry, and its members are bound by a code of conduct that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and transparency. Overall, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) plays an important role in promoting professionalism and excellence in the shipping industry, and in supporting the career development of those working in this dynamic and challenging field.

 

What ICS stands for in shipping?

ICS stands for Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) in shipping. Furthermore, ICS stands for International Chamber of Shipping. For more information please check:
https://www.handybulk.com/international-chamber-of-shipping-ics

 

What are the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Membership Types?

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) offers several types of membership, which are based on an individual’s level of education, experience, and professional qualifications. These membership types include:

  1. Student Membership: This type of membership is open to individuals who are enrolled in an ICS-accredited course or program, and who are studying to become professional shipbrokers or to advance their knowledge and skills in the shipping industry.
  2. Affiliate Membership: This type of membership is open to individuals who have a general interest in the shipping industry, but who do not hold any professional qualifications or experience.
  3. Associate Membership: This type of membership is open to individuals who have completed an ICS-accredited course or program, or who have relevant professional qualifications or experience in the shipping industry.
  4. Member (MICS) and Fellow (FICS) Membership: These types of membership are open to individuals who have completed the highest level of education and training offered by the ICS, and who have several years of experience working in the shipping industry. Members (MICS) are recognized for their professional competence, while Fellows (FICS) are recognized for their exceptional contributions to the industry and to the ICS.

Overall, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers’ (ICS’s) membership types are designed to reflect the diverse educational backgrounds, professional qualifications, and levels of experience of individuals working in the shipping industry, and to provide a pathway for career development and advancement within the industry.

 

How to get Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Diploma?

To obtain the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Diploma, individuals must complete a rigorous education and training program that covers a wide range of topics related to the shipping industry. The program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to become professional shipbrokers, as well as to advance their careers in the shipping industry.

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Diploma program consists of several levels, starting with the Introductory Level, which provides a general introduction to the shipping industry, and progressing to the Advanced Level, which covers more specialized topics and requires a higher level of expertise.

To obtain the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Diploma, individuals must complete all levels of the program and pass the corresponding exams. The exams are typically held twice a year, and are designed to test an individual’s understanding of the material covered in the program.

In addition to completing the education and training program, individuals seeking the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Diploma must also meet certain professional experience requirements, which vary depending on their level of education and training. Once these requirements have been met, individuals can apply to become Members (MICS) or Fellows (FICS) of the ICS, and gain recognition for their professional competence and expertise in the shipping industry.

Overall, obtaining the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Diploma is a challenging but rewarding process that can open up many opportunities for career advancement and professional development in the dynamic and fast-paced world of shipping. Further information about the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) online courses can be obtained from www.ics.org.uk