International Chamber of Shipping launches Essential Deck Procedures Guide – Strengthening shipboard safety resources
London, United Kingdom | January 22, 2025 – The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has announced the launch of its new Deck Procedures Guide, marking a major advancement in shipboard safety resources and filling a long-standing gap in operational guidance for deck operations across the global fleet.
The new publication completes a trilogy of core shipboard guidance alongside the widely used Bridge Procedures Guide and Engine Room Procedures Guide, creating a harmonised framework of best-practice procedures covering all key onboard departments. Together, these publications form part of ICS’s broader portfolio of safety guidance supporting shipowners and operators worldwide.
Table of Contents
First Comprehensive Industry Guide Dedicated to Deck Operations
The Deck Procedures Guide is the first industry publication dedicated exclusively to deck operations, providing structured, practical procedures across the full range of deck-side activities. These include:
- Cargo handling and cargo safety
- Mooring and anchoring operations
- Bunkering procedures
- Heavy weather preparations
- Maintenance and operation of critical deck equipment
- Compliance with the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code
- Compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code
The guide also incorporates adaptable checklists, an interactive risk assessment tool, and structured guidance designed to help crews identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks before incidents occur.
Focus on Alternative Fuel Bunkering
Addressing the industry’s transition towards decarbonisation, the guide includes a dedicated chapter on alternative fuel bunkering, covering LNG, methanol, and ammonia. This section was developed in collaboration with leading ship operators and reviewed by the Society for Gas as Marine Fuel (SGMF), ensuring alignment with emerging best practices for new fuel technologies.
“Deck operations are fundamental to ship safety, and crews need clear, validated procedures for every scenario they face,” said John Stawpert, Principal Director – Marine at ICS. “This guide delivers that comprehensive knowledge, from traditional practices to new considerations such as alternative fuels, helping crews operate confidently while maintaining the highest safety standards.”
Developed with Industry Expertise
The Deck Procedures Guide was developed through a rigorous industry review process involving representatives from:
- Swire Shipping
- Anglo-Eastern Univan Group
- Japanese Shipowners Association
- MISC Group
- Intercargo
- Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
The content is designed to be adaptable, enabling organisations to tailor procedures to their specific operational requirements while remaining compliant with international codes and recognised best practices.
Intended Audience and Onboard Application
ICS recommends that a copy of the Deck Procedures Guide be carried onboard every ship. The guide is intended for:
- Masters and chief officers
- Deck officers and bosuns
- Deck crew and engineering officers responsible for deck machinery
- Crew involved in bunkering operations
It is also a valuable reference for ship superintendents, technical managers, HSEQ professionals, shore-based safety teams, maritime training institutions, terminal operators, and organisations transitioning to alternative fuels.
“Every onboard department needs to work together to ensure the safety and security of the crew, ship, environment, and cargo,” said Emily Yates, Commercial Director at ICS. “The Deck Procedures Guide complements the Bridge and Engine Room Procedures Guides, creating a harmonised set of resources that uphold best practice across ship operations while providing guidance tailored to each department’s responsibilities.”
Enhancing Safety and Port State Confidence
Positioned as an international alternative to region-specific guidance, the Deck Procedures Guide emphasises best practice rather than regulatory mandates, helping reduce deck-related deficiencies and improve confidence during port state control inspections across diverse trading regions.
For more information click here ICS Deck Procedures Guide
About the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal global trade association for shipowners and operators, representing national shipowners’ associations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. ICS members operate over 80% of the world’s merchant tonnage.
Through ICS Publications, the organisation develops and promotes industry best practices via a wide range of guidance documents and free resources used by shipping companies worldwide.
Source: ICS Publications