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.
Showing 1 – 10 of 18 results
This ICS publication is the comprehensive and definitive guide to the MLC. The revised fourth edition addresses the wide range of MLC provisions including the 2022 updates, which will enter into force in December 2024.
The IMO International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) regulate the training and certification of seafarers and forms the basis for standards of crew competence that are enforced worldwide. The Convention also regulates watchkeeping arrangements on board merchant ships, including watchkeepers’ minimum rest hours. The fourth edition of Guidelines on the IMO STCW Convention sets out the obligations for shipping companies and includes guidance on how to ensure compliance on board.
The ICS Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit for Shipping has been developed to create awareness and inspire change in the strategies, policies and practices that will enable the maritime industry to meet the needs of the diverse seafarer community. It provides descriptions and definitions; provides ways to assess the current needs of diverse communities and identify gaps in services, policies and practice; and makes suggestions on how to fill these gaps.
Over the last few years and particularly since the start of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic there has been an increase in cases of shipping companies finding it difficult to repatriate the bodies or ashes of deceased seafarers quickly enough, and in accordance with the religious beliefs and customs of both the deceased seafarer and their next of kin. This guide sets out the core considerations for dealing with a death on board and details common burial practices for some of the world's leading religions.
This document sets out principles for providing shore leave during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It contains information on the international maritime obligations surrounding the provision of shore leave by state authorities and shipowners, and for seafarers.
This first edition was withdrawn in April 2022 and replaced by the second edition.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.
These guidelines have been produced to help shipping companies choose reputable manning agencies and to ensure that seafarers are recruited in line with the requirements of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC, 2006).
This Third Edition was withdrawn in June 2021 and replaced by Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers, Fourth Edition.
Aim to safeguard the health of seafarers and guarantee the safe operations of maritime trade – offering governments and the general public reassurance that seafarers can embark and disembark ships safely. Published by ICS, IMHA and INTERTANKO.
Guidance to support all types of ships which operate in international waters. Note: This second version from May 2020 has been replaced by an updated version 'Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Ship Operators for the Protection of the Health of Seafarers, v3'
