The fifth edition has been comprehensively revised by an expert working group nominated by ICS’s member national shipowners’ associations, and replaces the previous edition published in 2007.

The new edition has been updated to address the 2010 amendments to the STCW Convention with additional emphasis on Bridge Resource Management and the use of new technology such as Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) and other electronic aids to navigation.

ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe, explained: “ICS attaches the utmost importance to safe navigation. The purpose of the Guide has always been to provide clear and accessible guidance on best practice for watchkeeping on the bridge. Rapid technological advances make this an increasingly complex task and the need for strict adherence to procedures that follow established best practice cannot be overstated.”

ICS asserts that ECDIS is a good example of an area in which the introduction of new equipment and technology needs to be accompanied by appropriate guidance, in particular with respect to crew familiarisation with ship specific arrangements. The new Guide therefore includes comprehensive ECDIS familiarisation checklists.

ICS strongly recommends that a copy of the new Guide is carried on board every merchant ship, and that copies are held within shipping company technical departments.

The ICS Bridge Procedures Guide, accompanied by a CD version of the text with a search function, is available from maritime booksellers worldwide or direct from ICS.