International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organizations

ISPO is a standard that can be used by maritime pilot organizations, providing transparency to all relevant stakeholders, ensuring a consistent minimum level of safety and quality, and supporting a continuous, ongoing process of improvement.

November 2026

ISPO conference 2026 Update

The ISPO Board has published an update regarding the planned ISPO Conference in Oman in 2026. Read more to view the full announcement and additional information.

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ISPO Standard

In recent years, the volume of maritime legislation and associated standards has increased significantly. In addition to existing statutory frameworks, the sector has developed supplementary standards and guidelines aimed at promoting quality, safety, and professionalism. Against this background, the International Standard for Maritime Pilot Organizations (ISPO) was established. This voluntary standard is currently applied by more than 40 pilot organizations worldwide, representing over one thousand pilots.

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The International Users Group (IUG)

The responsibility for the maintenance and development of the International Standard for Pilot Organizations lies with the International Users Group of ISPO-certified organizations (IUG). 

This means that ISPO is a standard developed by Pilots for Pilots!

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