ICS promotes and supports shipping industry best practices through guidelines, tools and workbooks that are used by shipping companies 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 115 results
By explaining the relationship between shipping and the environment, this guide helps crew and shoreside staff understand not only what environmental requirements are in place but why these regulations matter.
The Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals), Sixth Edition is the trusted publication for chemical tankers. The new edition translates MARPOL Annex II regulations into practical procedures for safe and environmentally responsible operations. It includes updated guidance on Annex I to Annex II cargo changeovers, safe enclosed space entry, washing water analysis, hot work zones and shore power.
This Guidelines on the Application of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention Fifth Edition prepares shipowners, operators and managers for the 2025 amendments to the MLC, translating complex requirements into clear, practical guidance that works on board and ashore. It supports better living and working conditions for the 1.5 million seafarers who keep global trade moving, while helping companies demonstrate compliance during inspections and audits.
These guidelines have been produced to help shipping companies choose reputable crewing agencies and to ensure that seafarers are recruited in line with the requirements of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC, 2006).
Drawing inspiration from an array of company policies and complementary initiatives, ICS and its global network of shipowners and operators present this set of industry principles for establishing effective measures to combat violence and harassment.
The ICS Deck Procedures Guide align with the widely used Bridge Procedures Guide and Engine Room Procedures Guide, completing an essential set of guides that enable companies to uphold the highest standards of best practice across ship operations. When used in collaboration, users can benefit from harmonised inter-departmental communications and procedures. Offering a comprehensive overview of essential deck operations, this first edition ensures that all those working on or maintaining machinery on deck are well-equipped to handle a wide range of operations.
This publication provides advice on current piracy and armed robbery hotspots as well as regions of conflict and areas of increased risk. The 2026–27 edition includes updated piracy statistics and case studies, new and updated sections on maritime terrorism and warzones/warlike areas and new material on security measures in ports. It also incorporates the latest cyber security and training updates as well as updates on international and national cooperation. Annexes, bridge cards and checklists have also been revised to reflect the latest reporting formats.
This practical and easy to understand workbook supports the owner, master and the ship's crew with cyber security risk management. It contains comprehensive checklists to support the day-to-day management of onboard cyber security and facilitates collaboration between ships, onshore IT departments and equipment manufacturers.
This cross-industry publication, developed jointly by CDI, ICS, OCIMF and SIGTTO provides comprehensive guidance on the planning and execution of Ship to Ship (STS) transfer operations for petroleum, chemical and liquefied gas cargoes. Reflecting the latest operational best practices and regulatory developments, it is applicable to all ships involved in STS activities, whether conducted at sea or in port. The Guide serves as a crucial reference for Masters, Marine Superintendents, STS service providers, and transfer organisers, ensuring safety, environmental protection, and regulator compliance. Each product format has a unique cover to illustrate two ships moored in an STS configuration.
These guidelines have been designed to reduce the risk to the safety of crews, passengers, the environment and the vessel. The aim is to assist vessel operators and crews to be better prepared to meet the challenges presented by vehicle fires.