Instruments, such as Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS,) International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships (MARPOL,) Load Lines (LL,) the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) are concerned with many operational aspects, including: navigational responsibilities, safety and training drills, safe handling of cargo, prevention of oil spills, watchkeeping standards and collision avoidance measures. While not expressly required, these instruments may be necessary in order to enhance crew members knowledge and the incorporation of required provisions.
Many countries have national instruments, which incorporate required instruments; when such instruments are carried on board it is not necessary to carry required publications.
Publications may be stored in electronic format, such as on a CD or hard drive, instead of carrying physical paper copies. Electronic publications must issued by the IMO or authorized administrations to prevent illegal copying and to ensure the completeness and accuracy of data. An electronic storage method may contain one publication or many: all data should be handled in accordance with Safety Management System (SMS) document control procedures regular updates.
Publications for emergency use, such as the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual and the International Code of Signals should always be readily available in physical, paper form so that they may be readily accessed in emergency situations, including during power outages and so that they are not restricted in the physical space in which they may be accessed.
