ICMM brings maritime museum professionals together from all over the world for regular conferences, creating a strong network of maritime museums and people.

ICMM organises a week-long International Congress every other year, at maritime sites around the world. Lectures, workshops, discussions, and site visits cover a variety of issues of concern to maritime museums. Companionable after-hours sessions and excursions add to the strength of networking contacts formed at the conferences.

ICMM is a service provider for maritime museum professionals. ICMM provides a focal point of contact and professional help for museums large and small. ICMM offers technical assistance on ship and boat preservation; opportunities to exchange collections or staff; loan exhibitions; planning, research, educational programming, and public relations; and procurement of supplies for maritime preservation projects.