Which IMO publications a vessel must carry? There are various publications which is to be carried mandatory and many are recommended and encouraged to carry.

SOLAS, MARPOL, LL, COLREG, and STCW Conventions deal with operational aspects, navigational responsibilities, safety related trainings/drills on board, safe cargo handling, oil spill prevention, collision avoidance activities and watchkeeping standards hence these publications though not mandatory, need to be carried on board in order to improve the crew’s knowledge.

The publications may be carried in electronic form, like CD-ROM. However publications for emergency use, such as the International Code of Signals and the IAMSAR Manual should always be available in the form of hard copies since such publications need to be readily available for use in case of emergency without any restrictions such as only available on a computer at specific place.

 Publications Required on board Vessels

All publications must be latest edition.

Dangerous Goods in Packaged form and in Solid Bulk form

Refer to MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.2 of 1 June 2006 for full details