International Chamber of Shipping develops and promotes shipping industry best practices and guidance through a wide range of publications and free resources that are used by ship operators globally.
You can download most publications from the list below for free and purchase the paid-for publications from our ICS bookshop.
The competence of seafarers is the most critical factor in the safe and efficient operation of ships, and has a direct impact on the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment. This short brochure summarises what seafarers can expect from the updated Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), which entered into force on 1 January 2012.
This third edition was withdrawn in December 2022 and replaced by the fourth edition. The third edition of the popular ICS Guidelines for shipping companies has been fully revised and updated to take account of changes in the 'Manila Amendments'.
The revised book takes full account of the competence standards stipulated by STCW 2010 including those adopted for the new grade of Able Seafarer Deck.
This fourth edition was removed from sale in March 2021 and replaced by the Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations, Fifth Edition.
The fourth edition of the Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations reflects current best practice in the international shipping and aviation industries, and supersedes the third edition. The Guide has been fully updated with extensive guidance regarding the role and responsibilities of both the ship and helicopter, using expert advice from the aviation industry.
The ICS/WSC Guidelines reflect the good practices already undertaken by the majority of responsible companies, all consolidated to provide a useful resource that should benefit all concerned with the safe transport of containers.
This Code of Practice is a comprehensive summary of the environmental obligations of shipping companies as required by international regulations and includes a set of clear environmental standards by which shipping companies should operate.
To assist companies to effectively implement the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and to avoid disruption to their operations due to potential non-compliance, ICS developed, in a single guide, indispensable and definitive guidance on the ISPS Code. This book was withdrawn and incorporated into Maritime Security: A Guide for Seafarers, Companies and Administrations (First Edition) in 2021.
The Guide, which describes the procedures used to retain oil residues on board, is intended to help shipboard personnel comply with the oil discharge limitations that are contained in Annex 1 of MARPOL. The 1973 MARPOL convention, as amended by its 1978 Protocol, is the international instrument controlling pollution from ships.