Released during Maritime Safety Week 2026 (6–10 July), the guidance provides a practical framework for designing, delivering and assessing onboard familiarisation programmes. Drawing on key international requirements, including STCW, the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, the ILO Maritime Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) Guide and the Code of Safe Working Practices, it translates regulatory expectations into clear and practical steps for employers.

Effective familiarisation is fundamental to safe operations. The guidance supports shipping company management, safety officers and training coordinators in ensuring seafarers understand their responsibilities, onboard procedures and emergency arrangements from the outset, helping to reduce risk, support compliance and strengthen safety culture across the fleet. This guidance reflects a shared commitment across the sector to embedding safety in everyday operations and aligns with the theme of Maritime Safety Week 2026, "Every day, everyone: Making maritime safety routine."

Download the guidelines here

For more information on our work in this area, please contact Paul Markides.