For many years ICS and ISF have been conducting a global campaign to stress the vital necessity for governments to ratify and implement maritime Conventions adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other United Nations bodies that impact on shipping. The Comité Maritime International (CMI) has now joined forces with ICS and ISF to assist those countries where there has been limited ratification of the major Conventions.
The IMO STCW Convention requires that a cadet's seagoing service must be recorded in a training record book approved by the maritime administration responsible for issuing certificates of competence
The revised Record Book takes full account of the competence standards stipulated by STCW 2010, such as the use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), application of leadership and team working skills and proactive measures to protect the marine environment.
The revised book takes full account of the competence standards stipulated by STCW 2010 including those adopted for the new grade of Able Seafarer Engine
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BMP4 was withdrawn in June 2018 and replaced by BMP5: Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and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.
The competence of seafarers is the most critical factor in the safe and efficient operation of ships, and has a direct impact on the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment. This short brochure summarises what seafarers can expect from the updated Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), which entered into force on 1 January 2012.
The revised book takes full account of the competence standards stipulated by STCW 2010 including those adopted for the new grade of Able Seafarer Deck.
This third edition was withdrawn in December 2022 and replaced by the fourth edition. The third edition of the popular ICS Guidelines for shipping companies has been fully revised and updated to take account of changes in the 'Manila Amendments'.