Maritime Industry Resources

Buying or chartering a passenger ship involves regulators, flag states, classification societies and contracts. These are the organizations and publications we use and recommend. All links open in a new window.

Our Guides

• Guide to Purchasing a Ship (PDF)

• Procedure for Purchasing a Ship (PDF)

Regulators & Rules

• International Maritime Organization (IMO) – the UN agency setting global safety and environmental standards (SOLAS, MARPOL).

• U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center – U.S. mariner credentials and licensing.

• U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) – U.S. vessel documentation, Jones Act and maritime programs.

• 46 CFR Subchapter T – U.S. rules for small passenger vessels under 100 gross tons.

• Florida DBPR – Yacht & Ship Brokers – the state agency that licenses Florida yacht and ship brokers, including Capt. Ken Caine and Jeff Garcia of QPS Marine Ships. Verify a license.

Flag Registries

• Bahamas Maritime Authority

• Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR)

• Republic of the Marshall Islands Registry (IRI)

Classification Societies

• International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)

• DNV

• Lloyd's Register

• Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore

• RINA

Ship Data & Contracts

• Equasis – free database of ship safety and inspection records.

• BIMCO – standard shipping contracts, including ship sale and charter forms.

Industry Associations

• International Yacht Brokers Association (IYBA) – QPS Marine Ships is a Licensed and Bonded Member.

• Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

• Interferry – the global ferry industry association.

Trade Publications

• Seatrade Cruise News

• Cruise Industry News

• The Maritime Executive

• Marine Log

• Baird Maritime

• Splash247

• Ferry Shipping News

• Shippax

Questions about a specific vessel or market? Meet our licensed brokers or browse the current inventory of ships for sale and charter.