Appendix E: List of Useful Resources and Further Reading (Industry bodies, publications, websites)

The maritime industry is supported by a vast network of international regulatory bodies, professional associations, classification societies, and specialized publications. For the modern Master Mariner and all maritime professionals, knowing where to find accurate, up-to-date information is essential for maintaining compliance, implementing best practices, and engaging in continuous professional development.

This appendix provides a curated list of key resources relevant to the operation of bulk carriers. It is intended to serve as a starting point for further reading, research, and staying abreast of the latest industry developments.

1. International and Regulatory Bodies

These organizations form the foundation of international maritime regulation. Their websites are the primary sources for the latest versions of conventions, codes, and official circulars.

• International Maritime Organization (IMO)
  • Description: The United Nations’ specialized agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. The IMO is the source of key mandatory conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and the Load Line Convention, as well as crucial codes like the ISM, ISPS, IMSBC, and IMDG Codes.
  • Website: https://www.imo.org
• International Labour Organization (ILO)
  • Description: A UN agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards. The ILO is responsible for the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), the “seafarers’ bill of rights.”
  • Website: https://www.ilo.org/global/industries-and-sectors/shipping-ports-fisheries-inland-waterways/

2. Industry and Professional Organizations

These bodies represent various sectors of the shipping industry, providing advocacy, developing best practices, and offering invaluable resources and training.

• INTERCARGO (The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners)
  • Description: The leading association representing the interests of dry bulk shipowners and operators worldwide. An essential source for bulk carrier-specific safety alerts, best practice guidelines, incident reports, and advocacy on regulatory matters.
  • Website: https://www.intercargo.org
• BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council)
  • Description: One of the largest international shipping associations. While known for creating standard charter parties and other commercial contracts, BIMCO also provides extensive information on regulations, security threats, and operational matters.
  • Website: https://www.bimco.org
• The Nautical Institute (NI)
  • Description: An international representative body for maritime professionals, aimed at promoting professionalism, best practice, and safety. They publish a wide range of highly regarded books (including the popular “Master’s Guide” series) and the Seaways magazine, and offer excellent continuous professional development (CPD) resources.
  • Website: https://www.nautinst.org
• IMarEST (Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology)
  • Description: A leading international professional body and learned society for all marine professionals. A great resource for technical papers, journals, and information on marine engineering and technology trends.
  • Website: https://www.imarest.org
• International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
  • Description: The principal international trade association for merchant shipowners and operators, representing all sectors and trades. Heavily involved in the development of international regulations at the IMO. Publishes key guides such as the “Bridge Procedures Guide” and “Engine Room Procedures Guide.”
  • Website: https://www.ics-shipping.org

3. Classification Societies (Major IACS Members)

These societies provide technical standards, survey services, and often act as Recognized Organizations for Flag States. Their websites contain rules, guidance notes, and technical articles.

• IACS (International Association of Classification Societies): https://www.iacs.org.uk
• ABS (American Bureau of Shipping): https://eagle.org
• Bureau Veritas (BV): https://marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com
• DNV (Det Norske Veritas): https://www.dnv.com/maritime
• Lloyd’s Register (LR): https://www.lr.org/en/marine-shipping
• ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai): https://www.classnk.com
• Korean Register of Shipping (KR): https://www.krs.co.kr/en
• China Classification Society (CCS): https://www.ccs.org.cn/ccsen
• RINA (Registro Italiano Navale): https://www.rina.org/en

4. Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Clubs

P&I Clubs are a primary source of practical, operational, and loss prevention guidance. Their websites and publications are essential reading for Masters and senior officers. Most are members of the International Group of P&I Clubs.

• Gard: https://www.gard.no
• Skuld: https://www.skuld.com
• NorthStandard (formed from the merger of North P&I and Standard Club): https://north-standard.com/
• The UK P&I Club: https://www.ukpandi.com
• Steamship Mutual: https://www.steamshipmutual.com
• West of England P&I Club: https://www.westpandi.com
• London P&I Club: https://www.londonpandi.com

5. Essential Publications and Textbooks

This list includes key reference books that should ideally be found in a comprehensive shipboard library.

• Regulatory Texts: The latest editions of SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC 2006, IMSBC Code, International Grain Code, IMDG Code, and COLREGs.
• Bridge & Navigation:
  • Bridge Procedures Guide – International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
  • ECDIS Procedures Guide – Witherby Seamanship International
  • Passage Planning Guide – Witherby Seamanship International
  • Shiphandling for the Mariner – D.H. MacElrevey, D.E. MacElrevey & D.J. House
  • Radar and ARPA Manual – The Nautical Institute
• Cargo Work:
  • Cargo Work for Maritime Operations – D.J. House
  • Carefully to Carry – UK P&I Club (A comprehensive guide to bulk cargo issues)
• Seamanship & Safety:
  • Seamanship Techniques – D.J. House
  • Ship Stability for Masters and Mates – D.R. Derrett
  • The Master’s Guide to the UK P&I Club (and similar publications from other clubs)
  • Peril at Sea and Salvage: A Guide for Masters – The Nautical Institute
• Commercial:
  • Laytime and Demurrage – John Schofield
  • Bills of Lading – Richard Aikens, Richard Lord, Michael Bools

6. Port State Control (PSC) MoU Websites

These are the official websites for the major regional Port State Control regimes. They provide information on inspection procedures, detention lists, and Concentrated Inspection Campaigns (CICs).

• Paris MoU (Europe and the North Atlantic region): https://www.parismou.org
• Tokyo MoU (Asia-Pacific region): https://www.tokyo-mou.org
• United States Coast Guard (USCG) Port State Control: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Prevention-Policy-CG-5P/Inspections-Compliance-CG-5PC-/Port-State-Control/
• Viña del Mar Agreement (Latin American region): http://alvm.prefecturanaval.gob.ar
• Caribbean MoU: https://www.caribbeanmou.org
• Mediterranean MoU (MedMoU): https://www.medmou.org
• Indian Ocean MoU (IOMOU): https://www.iomou.org
• Abuja MoU (West and Central Atlantic Africa): https://www.abujamou.org
• Black Sea MoU: https://www.bsmou.org
• Riyadh MoU (Gulf region): https://www.riyadhmou.org

7. Maritime Security & Piracy

• IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC): https://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre
• Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA): https://www.mschoa.org
• Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG): https://gog-mdat.org
• ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (Asia): https://www.recaap.org

8. Accident Investigation Branches

Reports from these bodies provide invaluable, impartial insights into the root causes of maritime incidents.

• MAIB (UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch): https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/marine-accident-investigation-branch
• NTSB (US National Transportation Safety Board – Marine): https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/marine/
• ATSB (Australian Transport Safety Bureau – Marine): https://www.atsb.gov.au/marine
• TSB of Canada (Marine): https://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/marine/

9. Vetting and Risk Management

• RightShip: https://rightship.com (Primary vetting organization for the dry bulk sector).

10. Weather and Meteorological Services

• World Meteorological Organization (WMO): https://wmo.int
• NOAA Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) – USA: https://ocean.weather.gov
• UK Met Office – Marine: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/specialist-forecasts/coast-and-sea
• Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) – Marine: https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/menu/menu_report.html
• PassageWeather: https://www.passageweather.com (Useful visualization of GRIB data)