The Irish Ship Agents' Association (ISAA) is probably unique in the World's Ships' agency fraternity in that it was formed only about thirty years ago. In its beginnings, it was low key, its administration being undertaken by a staff member of one of its constituent companies..
The secretarial appointment changed fairly regularly, sometimes to coincide with a Presidential appointment. Only in 1980 did the Association decide that a permanent Secretariat was necessary, particularly with the advent of the EEC.
Irish Ship Agents' and Brokers have benefited considerably from the decision by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources to officially recognize their Association as the 'natural representative body' for such registered companies. Consultancy status has also been conferred. The ISAA now has regular conferences with the Department. At these, the Department updates the ISAA representatives on the intended developments and seeks the Association's views.
The ISAA has an excellent working relationship with the Maritime Transport Division of the Government's Department of the Marine.
