Nongovernmental Organizations (NGO)

Nongovernmental Organizations (NGO). In the interests of consistency, we'll use the World Bank definition of NGO, not least because the World Bank irritates some people who are very entertaining when irritated.

According to the World Bank, NGOs are "private organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, or undertake community development". The similarity between the actions of NGOs and what in the US are called lobbyists is purely coincidental, I'm sure.

• The Nautical Institute is a society of professional mariners around the world. Their accident/near-miss reporting process -- called MARS -- has arguably done more to improve the professionalism of the world's merchant marines than any other single effort. Based in London, the designation MNI (member of the Nautical Institute), or the even more prestigious FNI (Fellow of the Nautical Institute) is recognized 'round the world.

• The Marine Society provides education, library services, and financial support to professional seafarers. It also encourages and assists with hands-on training and the dissemination of information those who may be considering a career at sea. Also based in London..

• Here again, the astute reader will recognize the presence of arguably the most famous of the Maritime NGOs. I will happily take further suggestions!

click here to return to the home page.