With this newsletter we would like to inform you about the latest developments in the field of the International Standard for Pilot Organizations. Looking back on the past year, we can speak of a very successful year.
ISPO accredited organizations
In 2024, two pilot organizations were ISPO accredited; Plymouth Pilotage Services and Dan Pilot Greenland. We welcome them to the ISPO community and it is great to see that more and more pilot organizations see the benefits of ISPO certification.
Many other pilot organizations like Tanger Med Pilot Association, Casablanca Pilots, Papuan Sea Pilots, Dublin Port Company, Polish Maritime Pilots Association, Slovenian Maritime Pilots Association, Malta Maritime Pilots, Epinal Luanda Pilots and Lisbon Port are interested in ISPO accreditation. Some of these organizations are almost ready for their initial audit.
The IUG is pleased that so many pilot organizations are aware of the benefits of implementing the desired ISPO quality and safety management system.
As more pilot organizations join ISPO, the value of the standard will increase. With the two new organizations included, the total number of pilot organizations that comply with the ISPO Code has risen to 38. One of the accredited pilot organizations has made use of the option of multi-certification, bringing the number of accredited pilot organizations back to 36 representing approximately 1500 pilots.
ISPO Conference
This year the ISPO conference took place at the Rydges Hotel in Melbourne. Australia represents one third of the total number of pilot organizations that are ISPO accredited and we were pleased that Auriga hosted the 2024 ISPO conference.
The two days were extremely well-attended and started with a Mock-Court about a pilot incident, followed by interesting speakers who gave their views on topics such as; evolving technology, regulations and continuous professional development, cetacean management, terminal towage & transfer and a new era EEXI & EEDI, regulators perspective ISPO, training, technology and Passage planning, ISPO implementation regarding pilot ladders and learnings, relevance to incidents and learnings, simulation.
The presentations, networking, learning from the experience of others makes one realize the values of being part of the ISPO community and are available on our website.
We thank our host, Auriga and sponsors for their hospitality and organizing this wonderful event.
The P&O Maritime FZE has kindly agreed to organize the 2025 conference in Dubai. The conference will be held on 27 and 28 November. More information regarding the conference will be released soon.
The ISPO conference is not only for the ISPO certified pilot organizations, but also for interested organizations. We hope that those attending in Melbourne will continue the journey to become accredited and we look forward to meeting new interested parties next year.
International Users Group (IUG)
In Melbourne, the board said goodbye to Mr. Bruno Dockx, the IUG secretary. He was one of the founders of ISPO from the beginning. The successor of Mr. Bruno Dockx is Mrs. Silvia Linssen. Since 2012 Silvia holds the position of advisor for Quality and Safety and is the Designated Person of all four ISPO accredited Dutch associates. Since 2015 she has been closely involved with the IUG as a member of the working group and supporting the administrator. We welcome Silvia to the Board and Bruno to his latest role within ISPO.
The IUG administrator, Capt. Hans Leemborg will stop his activities as of 1-1-2025. After nine years he will enjoy his retirement. Mr. Bruno Dockx will take over the work as IUG administrator. The board is very pleased that with these changes and the knowledge within the IUG is safeguarded. An emotional farewell and a huge thank you was given to Hans at the Melbourne conference for all he has contributed to ISPO over his period as administrator.
During this year several conferences, such as IMPA and IHMA were attended by IUG board members to raise awareness of ISPO.
The IUG thanks all, board members, associates, working group members and financial auditors, who voluntarily contributed to the continuation of ISPO and IUG. These volunteers ensure the constant development of ISPO and IUG, so that it remains relevant for pilot organizations worldwide.
ISPO Code and ISPO Control Manual
From 1 January 2025, it will be mandatory to become an IUG member if a pilot organization wishes to obtain ISPO accreditation. The ISPO Code and Control Manual have been amended accordingly and downloadable on the website
https://www.ispo-standard.com
In conclusion
The International User Group is pleased that more and more pilot organizations around the world are seeing the benefits of becoming ISPO certified.
We hope to welcome you all to the ISPO Conference in Dubai in November 2025 to exchange experiences and to be informed you about the developments of ISPO not just for those who are ISPO certified, but for interested organizations as well. See you there.
If you have any questions about the ISPO in general, do not hesitate to contact the IUG administrator, iug@ispo-standard.com
