The International Towing Tank Conference is a voluntary association of worldwide organizations that have the responsibility for the prediction of the hydrodynamic performance of ships and marine installations based on the results of physical and numerical experiments.

ITTC is recognized as an NGO with observer status to IMO, the International Maritime Organization, where ITTC participates actively in matters regarding safety and performance.

The Full Conference, comprising representatives of all member organizations, is held every three years and constitutes the highest authority of the ITTC. The Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the ITTC, assisted by the Advisory Council on technical matters. A number of permanent and specialist technical committees perform defined work tasks between Full Conferences and report to the Full Conference.

The venue of the Full Conference circulates between the six regions Americas, Northern Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia and Pacific Islands.