All members of the IISTL have substantial academic and/or practical experience in shipping and trade law, with many having forged a global reputation in their chosen fields.

In addition to the expertise in commercial aspects of shipping and trade law, in recent years the membership of the IISTL in recent years the membership of the IISTL has expanded to include specialists with an interest in public law and regulatory aspects of maritime and trade law.
The Institute currently has sixteen members, of which thirteen are drawn from the academic staff of the School of Law. Three associate members – drawn from prestigious positions in legal practice, the shipping industry and the United Nations – also contribute significantly to the work of the IISTL. The Institute also benefits from a dedicated research assistant and a specialist administrator.

Each year, the IISTL hosts a select number of visiting academics, often from partner institutions, who come to Swansea to advance their academic interests. During their period of stay at Swansea, visiting academics are provided with office space and are also invited to participate fully in the many research activities organised by the IISTL.

The members of the IISTL are: