Deck Procedures Guide - First Edition

Every on board department needs to work together to ensure the safety and security of the crew, ship, environment and cargo. The procedures in the ICS 'Deck Procedures Guide' align with those in the widely used ICS 'Bridge Procedures Guide' and 'Engine Room Procedures Guide', completing an essential set of guides that enable companies to uphold the highest standards of best practice across ship operations. When used in collaboration, users can benefit from harmonised inter-departmental communications and procedures.

Offering a comprehensive overview of essential deck operations, the 'Deck Procedures Guide' ensures that all those working on or maintaining machinery on deck are well-equipped to handle a wide range of operations including cargo operations, bunkering and heavy weather preparations. It includes practical procedures and checklists for deck operations and maintenance of core equipment, across all ship types. Crews can expect guidance that enables compliance with the IMSBC and IMDG Code.

The guide is an invaluable tool for masters, chief officers, bosuns, technical superintendents and other members of deck crew, as well as engineers responsible for maintaining deck equipment and performing bunkering operations, shipping company shoreside safety teams and training institutions. It is recommended that a copy is carried on board every ship.

Foreword

All departments on board ships need to work together to ensure the safety and security of the crew, ship, environment and cargo. This new publication provides procedures that align with the long-established ICS 'Bridge Procedures Guide' and the ICS 'Engine Room Procedures Guide', completing a group of essential guides that will help companies uphold the highest standards of shipboard practice for all aspects of the ship?s operations.

The 'Deck Procedures Guide' offers a comprehensive overview of essential deck procedures, ensuring that all those involved in working on deck, or maintaining deck machinery, are well-equipped to handle a wide range of operational scenarios. Long established procedures such as mooring and anchoring are outlined in detail, as well as new procedures such as bunkering low flash point fuels including LNG, methanol and ammonia. This guide also addresses common deficiencies related to the maintenance of the ship and its equipment, life saving appliances and fire safety. Appendix A: Ship risk profile deck self assessment tool is provided help ship?s officers ensure that their deck equipment and procedures are in a good condition.

The best practices provided within Deck Procedures Guide are designed to be an invaluable resource for all crew members, fostering a culture of safety and preparedness. The following ranks will find this guide particularly relevant and helpful for enhancing the safety and efficiency of deck operations:

• Chief officer;
• Chief engineer;
• Deck officers;
• Any engineers designated to maintain deck equipment;
• Bosuns;
• Able seamen (AB);
• Ordinary seamen (OS);
• Ratings, including general purpose ratings; and
• Deck cadets.

Together, the ICS 'Deck Procedures Guide', 'Bridge Procedures Guide' and 'Engine Room Procedures Guide' will help ship?s crews ensure a well-coordinated and proficient shipboard operation.

International Chamber of Shipping

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the principal international trade association for the shipping industry, representing shipowners and operators in all sectors and trades. ICS membership comprises national shipowners' associations in Asia, Europe and the Americas whose member shipping companies operate over 80% of the world's merchant tonnage.

Established in 1921, ICS is concerned with all technical, legal, employment affairs and policy issues that may affect international shipping.

ICS represents shipowners with the various intergovernmental regulatory bodies that impact on shipping, including the International Maritime Organization.

ICS also develops best practices and guidance, including a wide range of publications and free resources that are used by ship operators globally.

https://www.ics-shipping.org/about-ics/