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 the ICS Publications site.
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.
This version was withdrawn and replaced in May 2026. Leaflet prepared jointly by ICS, IMO and UNHCR providing guidance on relevant legal provisions, and on practical procedures to ensure the prompt disembarkation of survivors of rescue operations, and measures to meet their specific needs, particularly in the case of refugees and asylum-seekers.
This brochure sets out ICS support for the IMO’s selected theme for World Maritime Day 2014 - "IMO Conventions: Effective Implementation". Produced to coincide with the event, the brochure outlines the role that ICS plays in the effective implementation of IMO regulations. This includes the ICS’s contribution to the development of IMO instruments, the ICS/CMI ratification campaign, ICS liaison with Port State Control MoUs and the ICS Shipping Industry Flag State Performance Table.
September 2014Reports, Positions and Papers | Free
From July 2014, all ships are required by new IMO regulations (SOLAS Regulation III/I7-1) to have ship-specific plans and procedures for the recovery of persons from the water. These ICS Guidelines have been developed to assist companies when preparing to comply with the new regulations and should be used together with the IMO Guidelines for the Development of Plans and Procedures for the Recovery of Persons from the Water (MSC.1/Circ.1447), the Guide to Recovery Techniques (MSC.1/Circ.1182) and the Guide for Cold Water Survival (MSC.1/Circ.1185/Rev.1).
The international shipping industry is firmly committed to playing its part in reducing emissions of CO2 and other Green House Gases. This brochure, produced by ICS to coincide with the UNFCCC Climate Change Conference in Lima (COP 20), explains the issues involved and the progress being made by the industry and its global regulator - the IMO - to reduce ships’ CO2 emissions.
The ICS paper explains the significant challenges the shipping industry has faced in responding to the crisis in the Indian Ocean during the period 2007-2013.
This edition was withdrawn in July 2025 and replaced by the second edition
This industry Guide provides recommendations on safety, minimum equipment levels and good operating practices. If more stringent international, national or local regulations apply then they should take precedence. This Guide is a required publication on the SIRE Vessel Inspection Questionnaires for Oil Tankers, Combination Carriers, Shuttle Tankers, Chemical Tankers and Gas Tankers.
This version was withdrawn in January 2022 and replaced by version three. This brochure, published by the International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) and ICS/ISF, aims to remind shipping companies and seafarers of the vital need to ensure that ladders used for pilot transfers are always rigged correctly. The brochure is also supported by the International Group of P&I Clubs, BIMCO, CLIA, Intercargo, IPTA, Intertanko, OCIMF, SIGTTO, ITF, IFSMA and the Nautical Institute.
The international shipping industry (represented by BIMCO, Intercargo, ICS, ISF, Intertanko and OCIMF produced this basic guidance for management and crews, concerning the use of oily water separators, which emphasises the vital importance of strict adherence to International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements.