Onboard Required Publications

This page outlines the essential publications required onboard to meet Flag State and international obligations for safe navigation, compliance, and emergency readiness.

1. All yachts

• Flag State official logbook
• International Code of Signals
• International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual, Volume III
• Adequate, up‑to‑date charts for the intended voyage
• Ship Captain’s Medical Guide (or Flag‑approved equivalent)
• Garbage Record Book (as applicable under MARPOL)
• Medical logbook
• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) logbook

2. International Maritime Organization (IMO) publications

• International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), consolidated edition
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), consolidated edition
• Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG)
• GMDSS Manual
• International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)

3. Depending on Flag State regulations

• Chart catalogue (up to date)
• Sailing Directions (Pilot Books, Routing Charts, etc.)*
• List of Lights (e.g., Admiralty List of Lights; Admiralty List of Radio Signals Volumes I–VI)*
• Notices to Mariners*
• Tide Tables / Tidal Stream Atlases*
• Mariners’ Handbook
• Nautical Almanac*
• For vessels >500 GT: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Publications I, IV, V*

* Some of these may be acceptable in electronic format, subject to Flag State approval. Always verify specific requirements with the relevant Flag State authority.

4. Revision history

The Master is responsible for ensuring that the latest version of the manual is available on board.