First International Chamber of Commerce anti-crime bureau and has observer status with Interpol and cooperates with governments and law enforcement agencies generally. Its task is to prevent fraud in international trade and maritime transport, reduce the risk of piracy, assist law enforcement agencies, protect crews and investigate insurance losses. See IMB PIRACY REPORTING CENTRE.
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To answer to the problems of international maritime frauds a non-governmental body known as the International Maritime Bureau was formed in London in 1981. Four preventive functional services are being offered by the Bureau (i) education service to supplement members’ present training programs on the prevention of maritime fraud; (ii) providing a general information through the regular publication of a bulleting containing latest developments in various parts of the world ; (iii) advisory services on whether potential trading partners are known to have previously been involved in fraudulent or suspect practices; and (iv) authenticating trading documents for banks and others that may need such assistance.