Books

Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes

IA275E- The Code of Safe Practice for Ships carrying Timber Deck Cargoes, 2011 (2011 TDC Code) was adopted by resolution A.1048(27) at the twenty-seventh session of IMO's Assembly in November 2011.

This Code revises and updates the previous Code adopted in 1991 by resolution A.715(17). The 2011 TDC Code is non-mandatory and applies to all ships of 24 m or more in length carrying a timber deck cargo. The Code aims to ensure that stowage and cargo securing arrangements for timber deck cargoes enable a safe yet rational securing of the cargo so that it is satisfactorily prevented from shifting. 2011 TDC Code also includes alternative design principles, taking into account the acceleration forces cargo may be subjected to throughout the voyage.

Code Of Safe Working Practices For Merchant Seafarers 2026 Edition

The MCA has revised and updated the Code to align its language with the
Government Digital Service (GDS) guidelines, making the content more
accessible and easier to read. All references to relevant legislation and
guidance have been reviewed and updated, providing users with accurate
signposting to source material and further information where required.

Main updates to the 2026 Edition:
• Major safety updates on the use of lifting equipment: Chapter 19
• Updated guidance on enclosed spaces: Chapter 15
• Updated emergency procedures: Chapter 4.

Product details
The Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) is
a comprehensive set of guidelines and best practices designed to ensure
the safety and health of seafarers working on merchant vessels. It provides
guidance on safe working practices and procedures to follow on board ships
to minimise risks and prevent accidents.
It is a statutory requirement for the current edition of the Code to be carried
on board all UK ships, other than fishing vessels and pleasure craft. The Code
contains essential health and safety information, and it must be made available
to any seafarer on board the ship who requests it.

IB867E Code On Alerts and Indicators 2009

IB867E - The Code on Alerts and Indicators 2009, is intended to provide general design guidance and to promote uniformity of type, location and priority for alerts and indicators required by the SOLAS Convention, including relevant performance standards, and by the MARPOL Convention, as well as by other associated instruments and codes.

The Code will benefit designers and operators by consolidating in one document the references to priorities, aggregation, grouping, locations and types, including colours and symbols, of shipboard alerts and indicators. This new Code updates, revises and replaces the Code on Alarms and Indicators 1995.

COLREG - Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972
The Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG), 1972 has been accepted by many States since it was adopted in 1972 and entered into force in July 1977. It was amended in 1981, 1987, 1989, 1993 and 2001. This publication contains the fully consolidated text of the 1972 Convention. It supersedes the 2002 consolidated edition.

Part A  General

Part B Steering and sailing rules

Part C Lights and shapes

Part D Sound and light signals

Part E Exemptions

Annex I Positioning and technical details of lights and shapes

Annex II Additional signals for fishing vessels fishing in close proximity

Annex III Technical details of sound signal appliances

Annex IV Distress signals

IA617E Crude Oil Washing Systems

IA617E- Regulation 13 of Annex I of MARPOL 73/78 requires certain ships to operate with a cargo tank cleaning system using crude oil washing. The crude oil washing installation, associated equipment and arrangements must meet requirements established by Administrations based on specifications originally adopted by the International Conference on Tanker Safety and Pollution Prevention in 1978. These specifications have been amended and modified on several occasions since 1978, and this publication contains the most up-to-date version, along with various related texts. This publication contains: - Revised Specifications for the design, operation and control of crude oil washing systems (resolution A.446(XI), as amended by resolutions A.497(XII) and A.897(21)); - standard format for the Crude Oil Washing Operations and Equipment Manuals (resolution MEPC.3(XII), as amended by resolution MEPC.81(43)); - Examples of Crude Oil Washing Operations and Equipment Manuals; - Guidelines for in-port inspection of crude oil washing procedures.

Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse On Board Ship 2023-24 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 6th 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.

These Guidelines provide essential professional guidance for shipping companies, ports, Masters, ships’ officers, cargo owners, government officials, customs and the maritime industry as a whole.

Use of these Guidelines can help to protect the shipping industry from the reputational and commercial damage that may be associated with drug incidents. They identify shipboard operational considerations and responses, as well as the training and procedures that are required both ashore and on board. Government and other organisations should ensure that ports and ships are able to embrace a positive security culture by facilitating the necessary measures against the various types of threats from drug traffickers. This Guide provides information necessary for seafarers to act responsibly and in accordance with appropriate advice.

These Guidelines also explore all aspects of protection in port facilities, along with aspects of cooperation between ports and ships that can help prevent drug trafficking from taking place. Drug abuse and trafficking are not a self-contained threat, but are manifestations of a much wider assault on legitimate infrastructure and transport networks across the world. Whether this activity is orchestrated by criminal or terrorist organisations, the methodologies employed are sophisticated and dynamic. Successful responses need to be equally sophisticated and require a comprehensive and strategic approach to security, not just to a specific commodity or method of attack. Section B of these Guidelines details a number of specific measures that deal with the protection of physical assets and people, the protection of information and processes and the exponentially increasing challenges of cyber security.

East Coast Pilot Great Yarmouth to Ramsgate
Garth Cooper and Dick Holness
East Coast Pilot has become the bible for cruising sailors for the waters between Great Yarmouth and Ramsgate. Not only does it cover the many harbours, rivers and creeks in a clear and concise manner, it also reveals some of the mysteries of sailing these shallow and shifting coastal waters. Both authors keep their boats on the East Coast and are life-long lovers of the area. They maintain that every time they cast off and take to the water, they learn something new, adding to the considerable wealth of experience which they have passed on enthusiastically over many years.
For clarity and ease of reference the book is laid out in a logical sequence- each estuary, river and port has its own chapter which starts with the key information to get you in to that chosen destination. Box panels give key waypoints, port and harbour contact details, plus information about the main boating facilities a crew could need. Further pages will entice you in as far as the limit of navigation. Essential information is backed up by Imray cartography, the authors? own sea-level photography giving you a clear view of what you should see, and aerial photographs which offer a useful visual perspective on what
lies ahead.
Unique to East Coast Pilot are ?rolling road? diagrams to guide the approach. These were introduced to great acclaim in the first edition and show buoyage sequences and tracks to steer into rivers and ports.
Updates are published on the dedicated website www.eastcoastpilot.com

Effective Mooring
Mooring is one of the most complex and dangerous operations for ship and terminal crew. If something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe.

Effective Mooring gives crew a general introduction to mooring and guidance on how to stay safe during mooring operations. It is written in an easy-to-understand style for seafarers worldwide and can be used as a training guide for both new and experienced crew. Produced by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), the book is written for crew on board oil tankers, barges and terminals, but the principles can be applied to any vessel.

This fourth edition of Effective Mooring is aligned with the guidance in OCIMFs Mooring Equipment Guidelines, Fourth Edition (MEG4), which contains more detailed technical information on the design and maintenance of mooring systems.

New in Effective Mooring, 4th Edition:

Emphasis on the whole mooring crew being responsible for safety.
Removed guidance on marking snap-back zones: the whole mooring deck is a danger zone.
More guidance on barges.
Simplified language and more cartoons, to make it easier to read.
Addresses human factors, e.g. communication, fatigue, situational awareness, etc.

IE350E FAL Convention 2024 Edition

This consolidated edition of the FAL Convention includes the 2016 amendments adopted at the fortieth session of the FAL Committee which enter into force 1 January 2018.

These amendments introduce new definitions for Cargo Transport Unit (CTU), clearance, freight container, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, master, ship agent, shipper and single window. Electronic exchange of information will be mandatory from 9 April 2019 with a transition period of no less than 12 months. The text now refers to the use of Single Window systems and has been revised in a gender-neutral format. Three additional documents have been introduced for ship's clearance that may be required by the shore authorities, i.e. Security-related information as required under SOLAS regulation XI-2/9.2.2, Advance electronic cargo information for customs risk assessment purposes, and Advanced Notification Form for Waste Delivery to Port Reception Facilities.

Additional guarantees have been included relating to the shore leave of crew members. All IMO FAL forms, with the exception of the Ship's Stores Declaration (IMO FAL Form 3), have been revised.

Fire Training Manual 4th Edition 2024

Now updated and fully compliant with 2024 SOLAS requirements, and accepted by maritime Administrations worldwide:

Updated to reflect technological advancements, maritime practices, and global changes since 2017
Revised sections on extinguishing media, including AFFF foam replacement and lithium-ion vehicle fires.
Expanded coverage on fire spread, growth, and ventilation practices.
Added section outlining the functions of Integrated Alarm Monitoring and Control Systems (IAMCS) for enhanced fire response.
Updated and expanded guidelines on command, control, and fire team responsibilities.
Expanded Fire Safety Operational Booklet includes updates applicable to various vessel types and reference to the new Industrial Personnel (IP) Code and new SOLAS ch. XV. (both effective July 2024).
Continued provision for customising the manual to vessel-specific equipment and procedures for compliance.
2024 SOLAS Fire Training Manual 4th Edition sections include the following vessel types: Fires in Port, Dangerous Goods & IMDG / EmS Schedules, Vehicle, Special Category & Ro-Ro Spaces, Car-Carrying Vessels, Passenger Vessels, General Cargo (Break Bulk) Vessels, Dry & Bulk Combination Vessels, Container Vessels, Liquefied Gasses in Bulk, Ships using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels, Oil Tankers, Chemical Tankers, Tankers - Preventing fire spread to cargo areas, Tankers - Inerting, Purging & Gas-Freeing, Offshore Support Vessels, Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, Special Purpose Ships, & Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel, High Speed Craft, Ship Operating Polar Water, Nuclear Ships & Ships Carrying Radioactive Substances.

First Aid Afloat

An essential guide for all who go afloat. At sea you cannot ring for an ambulance and just wait for help: you need to act immediately as you may go hours, or even days, away from assistance. First Aid Afloat could save someones life, and no boat should be without it.

Aimed at the novice first-aider, this book is intended to be used at the time of the accident or illness. Each topic is designed to be read at a glance: the language is kept short and simple and, where appropriate, photo sequences show exactly what to do. Straight forward advice allows you to take control of the situation, stabilise the casualty and provide the appropriate treatment at sea.

Topics covered include bleeding; burns; fractures; hypothermia; resuscitation; bites, stings and poisoning; evacuation of a casualty; radio medical advice and more.

Also a useful guide for students.

First Aid Companion

This concise book covers most of the first aid emergencies you will come across afloat, including drowning, unconsciousness, external bleeding, immersion, hypothermia and more.

This little companion is laminated to stand up to frequent use and serves as a helpful aide-memoire that will fit into your jacket pocket.

Also a useful guide for students.

FTP Code International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures

IC844E - The 2010 FTP Code, along with relevant SOLAS amendments to make it mandatory, was adopted, with an expected entry into force date of 1 July 2012. The 2010 FTP Code provides the international requirements for laboratory testing, type-approval and fire test procedures for products referenced under SOLAS chapter II-2. It comprehensively revises and updates the current Code, adopted by the MSC in 1996. The 2010 FTP Code includes the following: test for non-combustibility; test for smoke and toxicity; test for 'A', 'B' and 'F' class divisions; test for fire door control systems; test for surface flammability (surface materials and primary deck coverings); test for vertically supported textiles and films; test for upholstered furniture; test for bedding components; test for fire-restricting materials for high-speed craft; and test for fire-resisting divisions of high-speed craft.

IMO Publication GMDSS Manual 2024 Edition IJ970E - GMDSS Manual. The GMDSS Manual provides, in a single comprehensive publication, an explanation of the principles upon which the GMDSS is based, the radiocommunication requirements and recommendations for its implementation,the operational performance standards and technical specifications to be met by GMDSS equipment, and the procedures for and method of operation of the various radio services which form the GMDSS and the Master Plan for the GMDSS.
The 2024 edition is fully updated and includes: - A description of the development and the concepts of the GMDSS - A description of the components of the GMDSS, the carriage requirements and the operational procedures - Excerpts from the relevant SOLAS regulations for the GMDSS - Supporting resolutions and circulars relevant to the GMDSS - The IMO performance standards and related ITU-R Recommendations giving the technical detail of the radio equipment - The Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information - The NAVTEX Manual - The International SafetyNET Manual - The current GMDSS Master Plan giving the details of the coastal infrastructure and services provided by member administrations - Extracts from the ITU-R Radio Regulations giving the radio regulatory background.

GMDSS Radio Log Book

In order to assist Masters and Officers in maintaining the necessary records, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have updated the 'Radio Log Book' (GMDSS) and 'Simplified Fishing Vessel GMDSS Radio Log Book', and incorporated them into this single volume.

For ease of use a 'delete as appropriate' and 'complete as required' system has been adopted, which allows this Log Book to be used as either publication, dependent on the user's specific requirements.

This Log Book is intended to encourage greater awareness of safety equipment through inspection and the recording of such inspections. Safety equipment has reduced in cost and improved in availability over the last 10 years. As vessels fit more equipment, and to ensure the equipment functions correctly when needed, an inspection regime is required. This would improve familiarity with the equipment, thus improving safety.

Guide to Maritime Security and the ISPS Code 2021 Edition

This Guide as been developed to consolidate existing IMO maritime security-related material into an easily read companion guide to SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code in order to assist States in promoting maritime security through development in the requisite legal framework, associated administrative practices, procedures and technical and human resources.

It is intended both to assist SOLAS Contracting Governments in the implementation, verification, compliance with, and enforcement of, the provisions of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code. It should also serve as an aid and reference for those engaged in delivering capacity-building activities in the field of maritime security.

This second edition of the Guide incorporates guidance approved by the Maritime Safety Committee on the development of maritime security legislation as well as maritime cyber risk management, and includes updated sources for further information to support the implementation of the ISPS Code.

IC656E Guidelines for Implementation of Marpol Annex V

This publication contains:
-The 2017 Guidelines for the implementation of MARPOL Annex V (resolution MEPC.295(71))
- The 2012 Guidelines for the development of garbage management plans (resolution MEPC.220(63))
- The consolidated text of MARPOL annex V, including amendments adopted by resolution MEPC.277(70).

Handbook for Marine Radio Communication

This new edition explains the GMDSS rules, regulations and procedures. The book contains the regulations drawn from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and it is a useful teaching aid for GMDSS topics thoroughly updated to explain: significant changes in operating procedures to GMDSS, improvements to communication equipment and the new opportunities they provide, including: Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), Inmarsat Fleet services amendments to GMDSS radio maintenance certificate.

Also expanded to include sections on use of radio for: piracy and armed robbery attacks at sea, medical advice and assistance, Mede Vac; and contains updated and extended contact details of important organisations relevant to GMDSS.

IAMSAR Manual Action Cards 2022 Edition

Contained in a handy waterproof wallet, the IAMSAR Volume III Action Cards can be removed individually for ease of reference in case of an emergency at sea.

These cards assist personnel who plan and coordinate SAR operations and exercises and can also serve as useful aids for training purposes.

IL960E IAMSAR Manual Vol. 1

IL960E - Organization and Management (Volume I) discusses the global SAR system concept, establishment and improvement of national and regional SAR systems and co-operation with neighbouring States to provide effective and economical SAR services. The 2025 edition incorporates amendments adopted by ICAO and approved by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee.

IG961E IAMSAR Manual Vol. 2

IG961E - The Mission Co-ordination (volume II) assists personnel who plan and co-ordinate SAR operations and exercises. The 2025 edition incorporates amendments adopted by ICAO and approved by the IMO Maritime Safety Committee.

IAMSAR Manual Vol. II 2025 Edition

Mission Co-ordination volume assists personnel who plan and co-ordinate SAR operations and exercises. This Manual is published jointly by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

IL962E IAMSAR Manual Volume III 2025 Edition

Mobile Facilities (volume III) is intended to be carried on board rescue units, aircraft and vessels to help with performance of a search, rescue or on-scene coordinator function and with aspects of SAR that pertain to their own emergencies.

It also includes updated Action Cards on: Basic communications plan structure; On-scene coordination; Recovery of people in the water; Man overboard; MEDEVAC by helicopter; and MEDICO-MEDEVAC Medical assistance or evacuation.

The manual is no longer supplied in a binder format. Additionally, the included action cards are no longer waterproof and are permanently attached to the manual, making them non-removable.

IAMSAR Manual Volume III Action Cards 2025 Edition

Contained in a handy waterproof wallet, the IAMSAR Volume III Action Cards can be removed individually for ease of reference in case of an emergency at sea.

These cards assist personnel who plan and coordinate SAR operations and exercises and can also serve as useful aids for training purposes.

IMO Publication NAVTEX Manual

IF951E - NAVTEX is an international automated direct-printing service for promulgation of navigational and meteorological warnings and other urgent information to ships. It is one of the two principle methods used for broadcasting maritime safety information in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended. It has been developed to provide a low-cost, simple and automated means of receiving maritime safety information and Search and Rescue alerts on board ships at sea and in coastal waters.

The information transmitted may be relevant to all sizes and types of vessel and the selective message-rejection feature ensures that every mariner can receive safety information broadcasts which are relevant to their voyage.