The AMF was established in 2010 as one of ASEAN mechanisms in addressing regional maritime issues in a holistic and integrated approach. The AMF is held annually, or at any intervals as agreed by ASEAN Member States, and its Chairmanship is decided on a voluntary basis. The recommendation of the AMF is submitted to the ASEAN SOM for consideration. The AMF aims to serve as a value-added forum for dialogue and coordination among concerned agencies on maritime related issues within the ASEAN framework. The AMF is not designed nor oriented to become security centric. It is designed as an acknowledgment to the multi-dimensional nature of maritime issues and the necessity to develop a regional comprehensive approach to maritime cooperation.

The Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF) was established in 2012 as a Track 1.5 Forum with a view to engage Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States of America, in a dialogue on important maritime issues of common interest.

Different dimensions of maritime cooperation, either directly or indirectly, are under the purview of various ASEAN bodies in the APSC as well as in the other two pillars of the ASEAN Community, namely the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC).