SMDG has active members, who participate in the meetings and who are actively involved in the development of the messages and the implementation guides (user manuals). Active members can influence the message structure and the use of the messages and can benefit of exchanging experiences during the meetings.
Membership of SMDG is open to all Shipping Lines/Ocean Carriers and Container Terminals throughout the world.
Furthermore all professional persons, companies and organisations can become a member.

Meetings are planned two times per year (April and October).

Plenary SMDG-meetings will be attended by between 60 to 75 people of approx. 50 to 55 different companies and organizations.

Topics discussed in the meetings are:
- experiences with BAPLIE messages
- network services and costs
- Interchange Agreements
- development work on relevant messages in our line of business

Membership fees for 2010: Euro. 320,00 or us$ 475,00