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).
This edition was withdrawn in July 2025 and replaced by the second edition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This version was withdrawn in January 2022 and replaced by version three.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.
This guidance has been prepared by ICS and ISF as a template for the review of company compliance programmes adopted in accordance with existing regulatory requirements, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Safety Management (ISM) Code. This framework is also supported by BIMCO, Intercargo, Intertanko, OCIMF and SIGTTO.
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.
ICS led shipowner representation in the negotiations for the text of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). This brochure explains the measures which port state control officers are entitled to take following the entry into force of the MLC on 20 August 2013, and offers advice to shipowners to help them pre-empt port state control problems.
This brochure, published by ICS to coincide with the IMO Symposium on the Future of Ship Safety, provides basic advice to companies on the successful implementation of an effective ‘safety culture’ as well as guidance on risk assessment and risk management.
Being aware that the implementation of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) has given rise to confusion in regard to ECDIS training, an industry group, organised and coordinated by The Nautical Institute and comprising leading international shipping industry organisations, held a series of meetings in order to produce this guidance on issues of training and competency for ECDIS.
BMP4 was withdrawn in June 2018 and replaced by BMP5: Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.
BMP4, which was developed by ICS and other shipping industry organisations, in cooperation with military navies, provided Best Management Practices (BMPs) to help companies and ships avoid becoming victims of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the Coast of Somalia and in the Western Indian Ocean. It offered specific, practical advice for companies in order to avoid, deter, or delay pirate attacks, and it was strongly supported by a broad coalition of industry and intergovernmental organisations.