Welcome to the Bulgarian Branch
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the professional body for all members of the commercial shipping industry worldwide. It was founded in 1911 and awarded a Royal Charter in 1920..
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers sets and examines the syllabus for membership, providing the shipping industry with highly qualified professionals. It is the only internationally recognised professional body in the commercial maritime arena and it represents shipbrokers, ship managers and agents throughout the world. It has 26 branches in key locations and 4,000 individual Members and Fellows.
Members of the Institute are committed to maintaining the highest professional standards across the shipping industry. As part of a professional body, members enjoy the benefits of an enhanced career in the shipping industry.
Types of Membership
As largest network of professional shipbrokers, managers and agents, Institute membership is internationally recognised as a mark of professionalism in the shipping industry. Membership categories are listed here:
> MICS Member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
> FICS Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and a Chartered Shipbroker
> Retired MICS or FICS who is no longer involved in the shipping industry
> Life Member A branch nominee and Controlling Council approved
> Honorary Fellowship By invitation of the Controlling Council
We have app. 4000 members in 26 branches worldwide. Our Bulgaria Branch has currently 91 members, with 63 of them regularly updating their subscription. We also have 1 Romanian and 3 Ukrainian members.
How can I become a Member?
The main pathway to membership is by completing our Professional Qualifying Exams (PQE).
To complete PQE, you will need to successfully complete a total of seven exams over five years (although many people complete in a shorter period of time). If you have any prior qualifications or industry experience, it is likely that you will be eligible for some exemptions, which will reduce the number of exams you will need to take.
We will need a copy of your degree certificate if you would like us to advise you further. If you would like to start, you will need to do three things:
1. Register as a student with the Institute
2. Enter the exams you would like to take
3. Choose how you would like to study
You will be able to download your student forms on our website, but if you would prefer, you can email us at: membership@ics.org.uk
Services in Bulgaria
Currently Bulgaria Branch, together with the Naval Academy, is running an International Training Centre, where we offer you a face-to-face tuition and help you prepare for the ICS exams. For more information contact the Branch or Ms Galina Ivanova at the Naval Academy - 00359889 198340.
The Bulgaria Branch is looking forward to you, (you can register as early bird now), taking the exams and become our valuable member!