This publication contains guidelines to shipping companies on key health and safety topics: alcohol misuse, drug abuse, hepatitis, HIV and AIDS, smoking in the workplace, behavioural safety systems and violence, aggression, verbal abuse and threats against staff on passenger ships. The topics have been identified as important for the health, safety and welfare of seafarers and the shipboard working environment.

The fourth edition of Guidelines on the IMO STCW Convention sets out the obligations for shipping companies and includes guidance on how to ensure compliance on board.