To answer to the problem of international maritime frauds a non-governmental body known as “the International Maritime Bureau” was formed in London in 1981. Four services are offered which have a preventive function: (i) education service to supplement members’ present training programmers on the prevention of maritime fraud; (ii) providing of general information through the regular publication of a bulletin 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.