This book is intended to help all qualified seafarers maintain a comprehensive record of their seagoing service, ongoing training and other relevant information. It will also help companies ensure that documentation and data concerning seafarers employed on their ships is properly maintained and readily accessible, in order to demonstrate compliance with the IMO STCW Convention.

The Record Book also enables seafarers to maintain a record of their participation in drills and exercises on board ships. It may also be used by companies as part of their Safety Management System (SMS) as required under the ISM Code, in particular for the identification and recording of any training, drills and exercises conducted to support the SMS. It provides an additional record for seafarers and companies in the event of Port State Control inspections, and may serve as evidence of continuing professional competence when seeking to revalidate STCW certificates.

This second edition takes full account of the 2010 amendments to the STCW Convention and the entry into force of the ILO MLC. It also includes a section to record participation in drills and exercises on safety, security and pollution prevention (previously provided as a supplementary book in the first edition).