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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 11 – 20 of 95 results

Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse On Board Ship, 2023 – 2024 Edition

This publication provides guidance on how to combat drug trafficking at sea and to recognise the signs of drug use and dependence among crew members. Considered the leading industry publication on the topic, this 2023 - 2024 edition has been fully updated by industry experts to assist shipping companies, Masters and officers, to help prepare, prevent, protect and how to respond when faced with drug trafficking and drug abuse at sea.

April 2023 Guidelines | £195

International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers, First Edition

This modern and practical medical guide from ICS has been written and reviewed by an international group of maritime medical practitioners and experts with many years' experience of working with and training seafarers and fishers. It can be used on board all ships and fishing vessels, anywhere in the world, and in onshore safety departments, medical assistance centres and training institutions who support seafarers and fishers.

March 2023 Guidelines | £225

Guidelines on the IMO STCW Convention, Fourth Edition

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.

February 2023 Guidelines | £135

Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit for Shipping, First Edition

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.

January 2023 Guidelines

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Guide to IMO Regulatory Compliance

This new publication from ICS guides readers through the first step on the route to decarbonisation: preparing for compliance with the IMO regulatory framework, and in particular, the 2021 amendments to MARPOL Annex VI. It sets out plainly what the key regulatory changes are for shipowners, operators and managers and explains in detail the full range of additional technical and operational requirements which ships must now comply with.

November 2022 Guidelines

Materials Declarations for Inventories of Hazardous Materials

This Industry Guidance is specifically aimed at clarifying the exchange of information between shipowners and suppliers through the supplier’s submission of the Material Declaration (MD) and the Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDoC). It will assist shipowners and suppliers in understanding and complying with their obligations with respect to MD and SDoC under the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EUSRR), reducing the administrative burden for shipowners and suppliers, and ensuring the provision of accurate information necessary for the maintenance of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM).

November 2022 Guidelines | Free

Cyber Security Workbook for On Board Ship Use, Fourth Edition

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 assist with the day-to-day management of onboard cyber security and facilitates collaboration between ships, onshore IT departments and equipment manufacturers.

October 2022 Guidelines

Biofouling, Biosecurity and Hull Cleaning

This publication describes the various types of biofouling and the problems it can cause for ship operation and the marine environment. It examines the use of anti-fouling systems to prevent the build-up of biofouling as well as the options available for ship cleaning. It also sets out biofouling legislation and guidelines. The book includes data sheets for a number of hull cleaning companies worldwide.

July 2022 Guidelines

Faith and Burial for Seafarers

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.

June 2022 Guidelines | Free

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Seafarer Shore Leave Principles, Second Edition

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.

April 2022 Guidelines | Free