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Publications: Guidelines, tools and workbooks

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.

Selected Publications - Positions, Reports and Papers

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Showing 91 – 100 of 115 results

ICS Guidance on EU MRV

This guidance is intended to raise awareness of the requirements of the European MRV Regulation and to remind members of some of the key requirements. It includes a link to the European Commission website where a range of further guidance and links to the regulatory documents and FAQs can be found.

February 2018 Guidelines | Free

Ballast Water Management – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention) entered into force on 8 September 2017. These FAQs are intended to raise awareness regarding key aspects of the BWM Convention (as well as relevant United States requirements) and assist in achieving compliance.

January 2018 Guidelines | Free

Guidance on Eliminating Shipboard Harassment and Bullying

All seafarers have the right to work without suffering harassment and bullying. ICS and ITF have together produced this guidance for shipping companies, seafarers and seafarers’ organisations and other parties on what they can do to eliminate harassment and bullying.

November 2016 Guidelines | Free

Bridge Procedures Guide, Fifth Edition

This fifth edition was withdrawn in September 2021 and replaced by the sixth edition. The Bridge Procedures Guide is widely acknowledged as the principal industry guidance on safe bridge procedures, and is used by Masters, watchkeeping officers, companies and training institutions worldwide. The Guide is referenced in the footnotes of several International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions.

January 2016 Archive

Large Scale Rescue Operations At Sea

This shipping industry Guidance was initially published in 2014 by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) in response to the large number of migrants attempting to get to Europe and requiring rescue by merchant ships in the Mediterranean. This second edition has been updated to take account of the experience of shipping companies, Masters and crews. It is also is also supported by the following industry organisations: ASF, ECSA, ETF, ITF, CLIA, Intercargo, Intermanager, Intertanko and IPTA.

January 2015 Guidelines | Free