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.
Fifth edition of the updated guidance document written for the global shipping industry to help understand and combat the spread of COVID-19. This comprehensive document has been produced in collaboration with experts from leading international bodies. The fifth edition contains up-to-date and relevant information regarding all aspects of COVID-19 that effect seafarers and shipping companies.
This 2021/2022 edition was withdrawn in January 2023 and replaced by the 2022/2023 edition.
The purpose of this Flag State Performance Table is; to encourage shipowners and operators to examine whether a flag State has sufficient substance before using it and to encourage shipowners and operators to put pressure on their flag Administrations to affect any improvements that might be necessary, especially in relation to safety of life at sea, the protection of the marine environment, and the provision of decent working and living conditions for seafarers.
The new ICS Bridge Procedures Guide has been written to reflect the rapid technological advances taking place in the shipping industry and to equip users to deal with the digital transformation taking place on the bridge. For over 40 years, this bestselling Guide has reflected and defined current best practice on the bridges of merchant ships operating in all sectors and trades. Now in its sixth edition, it is widely acknowledged as the leading industry guidance on safe bridge procedures and is a recommended carriage on all vessels by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The new ICS Bridge Procedures Guide has been written to reflect the rapid technological advances taking place in the shipping industry and to equip users to deal with the digital transformation taking place on the bridge. For over 40 years, this bestselling Guide has reflected and defined current best practice on the bridges of merchant ships operating in all sectors and trades. Now in its sixth edition, it is widely acknowledged as the leading industry guidance on safe bridge procedures and is a recommended carriage on all vessels by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
This guidance is intended to remind seafarers and companies of the vital importance of adhering to the rules and established procedures concerning the provision of safe boarding arrangements for pilots. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) have produced this guidance in collaboration with industry partners; BIMCO, CLIA, IG P&I, IFSMA, INTERCARGO, ITF and The Nautical Institute.
This Guidance addresses legal, liability and insurance issues that could potentially arise for shipowners from or in connection with vaccinations of crew for coronavirus (COVID-19). It provides guidance on best employment practice to protect against such liabilities and information on insurance cover for such liabilities under the shipowner’s standard Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance.
A massive scaling up of finance for research and development is essential to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. This report outlines the urgent steps that will be required to completely transform shipping’s current dominant propulsion technology and fuels landscape, and provides a blueprint for governments and industry to target their investment in innovation.
This third edition was withdrawn in October 2022 and replaced by the fourth edition. Using detailed, step by step checklists, the Cyber Security Workbook for On Board Ship Use provides a ship’s Security Officer with the practical skills to identify cyber risks and to protect vulnerable onboard systems. It also gives guidance on how best to detect, respond and recover in the event of a cyber attack.
This second edition was withdrawn in February 2022 and replaced by the third edition. COVID-19 Practical Guide, providing the most up-to-date and relevant information regarding vaccinations for seafarers and includes answers to important questions on availability and efficacy of vaccinations for ships' crew and shipping companies.
This first edition was withdrawn in April 2022 and replaced by the second edition. This document sets out principles for providing shore leave during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.