The Institute represents all aspects of the shipping business and includes in its membership not only shipbrokers but shipowners, charterers, agents, forwarders and other shipping professionals. It is dedicated to the setting and maintenance of the highest standards in international transport and shipping business.

The Institute has strong links with the major international shipping organizations and company membership is possible.

A Royal Charter was granted to the Institute in 1920 and in 1984 membership became open to citizens of any country in the world.

Individual professional membership of the Institute is gained by candidates passing the Qualifying Examinations and gaining a prescribed amount of work experience. Promotion to Fellowship permits the person to be described as a Chartered Shipbroker and is granted to those of seniority and influence in the world of shipping and international transport.

Membership is now enjoyed by over 3500 men and women throughout the world with Institute branches established in Australia/New Zealand, Benelux, British Columbia, Calcutta, Cyprus, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Madras, Mumbai, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates as well as 9 branches in the United Kingdom.

Since 1983 the Institute has operated its own Correspondence College under the name of TutorShip. 

The TutorShip correspondence courses are designed to meet the needs of personnel in all spheres of shipping business.

They not only provide excellent preparation for the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers’ professional examinations but they also give all those involved in shipping the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the industry. 

Each subject course is written by a specialist and all subjects for both the Qualifying and Foundation Diploma examinations are covered. The structure of tuition is such that courses may be commenced at any time during the year and the individual tuition offered allows the student to study at his/her own pace. 

At the start of the course every student is assigned a personal tutor in each subject to be studied. Direct personal contact with the tutor ensures the student receives individual attention specifically suited to his/her own needs thus providing the ideal method of tuition. 

In particular, TutorShip provides coaching for the Institute’s professional examinations through a comprehensive distance learning package but it is also available to any person wishing to gain education in any of the main subjects in shipping business. 

TutorShip’s teaching includes detailed lessons and test exercises which are then subject to individual postal tutoring by expert professionals. 

The Cyprus Branch operates a Distance Learning Centre offering the course "Understanding Shipping" for beginners. The course's duration is 9 months and covers the following topics:"

SHIPS AND TRADES
Reasons for Sea Transport. Shipping and Trades. Types of Ships. Maritime Geography. Communication.

THE BUSINESS AND THE PLAYERS
The Company. Principals, Intermediaries.
The Practitioners – their role, their responsibilities and their income. Organizations. 

BILLS OF LADING
The bill of lading’s three functions. Release and delivery of cargo. Different types of B/L. 

PORT AGENCY
Definition of an Agent. Agent’s authority. Port services and the providers. Cargo working, husbandry, after departure, local requirements. 

BULK CARRIER & TANKER DOCUMENTS
Charter parties and other documents. Basic laytime concepts. 

LINER AGENCY DOCUMENTATION
The agency agreement. Space allocations, sales and marketing, dealing with cargo bookings, special cargo, documentation. Conferences and consortia. 

CHARTERING
The chartering market. Types of charter. How a deal is made, authority and responsibility, after the fixture, Brokerage, specialist brokers.

PORT AND CARGOES
The location of ports, natural and purpose built ports. Cargoes and trading partners. Ports in Cyprus. 

SHIP MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
Shipmanagement departments and external managers. The structure of Shipmanagement: Technical Departments, Storing, Insurance Operations, Crewing, Accounts.