The aims and objectives of FONASBA are set out formally in its Articles of Association, By Laws and Code of Conduct but they may be summarised as follows:

To work as an International Federation for the stability and improvement of the economics of its members and for the whole shipping industry

To demonstrate the value of the various services offered by ship brokers and agents to ship owners and operators

To obtain international recognition as the prime representative organisation of ship brokers and agents, and to speak with authority on behalf of these professions

To explain the important role that ship brokers and agents can play in ass sting all cargo interests; merchants, shippers and receivers

To impress upon all parties the importance of utilising professional and properly trained FONASBA Members who will follow its Code of Conduct to ensure effective performance

To emphasise and remind all parties that irrespective of who is entitled to nominate the ship's agent under the conditions of the charter party, the agent will always have to be formally appointed by the owner or disponent owner, who shall be responsible for the agent's remuneration. The agent will at all times responsibly protect the interests of the vessel's (disponent) owner

To emphasise and remind all parties that "charterer's" agents and "charterer"s" brokers are appointed by the named charterer in the charter party, booking note or other contractual document to act as that charterers representative

To assist National Associations in their negotiations and discussions with local and/or national authorities, institutions and organisations

To provide an international forum for negotiation and discussion wilt international governmental and non-governmental organisations and especially to try and ensure the adoption of best common practices on a worldwide basis

To examine, consider and comment on national, regional or international legislation, conventions and rules and create consultation arrangements with appropriate bodies including, among others. UN agencies and the European Commission

To assist Members in defining their legal obligations and liabilities and to provide guidance where possible

To encourage and assist Members in developing quality systems and performance.

To promote, through the medium of its sub-committee ECASBA, the role of FONASBA within Europe and to maintain a close relationship with the European Commission

To promote the international simplification and standardisation of shipping, customs and port documentary and operations procedures. To create and issue standard forms of documents, contacts and clauses where these are in the interests of its Members and the industry

To ensure that relevant matters are brought to the attention of members in a timely and efficient manner

To generally seek to promote and protect the professions and interests of ship brokers and agents worldwide