PacMA was founded in 1995 as the Association of Pacific Islands Maritime Training Institutions and Maritime Administrations (APIMTIMA) and changed its name in 2003 to accommodate its broadened membership and expanded mandate. The Association aims to evolve to manage an increased decision-making and direction-setting role in the Pacific Islands maritime sector. PacMA subcommittees include auditing; moderating, examining and lecturing; as well as port state control, flag state inspection and surveying.

PacWIMA was established in February 2005 and is the principal, regional interactive forum for Pacific women employed in the maritime sector to discuss and debate issues of concern to the region’s maritime industry as well as to promote solutions and opportunities to overcome challenges faced by women in the wider maritime sector.

PIMLA, established in July 2005, is the principal forum for legal professionals in the Pacific Islands maritime sector to discuss and pursue legal maritime issues of concern to the region; advise international or regional entities and national governments to enhance the uniformity and harmonisation of maritime practices; and promote maritime legal capacity building.

PCPA was set up in 1978 as the South Pacific Ports Association (SPPA) until it changed its name in 1999 to Association of Pacific Ports (APP) then in 2007 it adopted the name PCPA when it became a regional group that promotes regional cooperation, friendship and understanding between member ports and port users through mutual association, exchange of knowledge and the dissemination of information useful to port administrations. PCPA also promotes measures to increase efficiency and safety, facilitating harmonious development of ports in the region.