This edition of the handbook has been completely updated to reflect the safety requirements of the SOLAS, MARPOL and Loadline conventions, and their many amendments and protocols, including: the shipboard oil pollution emergency plan; the enhanced programme of surveys for tankers; changes to the method of calculating the subdivision and stability of dry cargo ships over 100m in length; the introduction of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); and revised national administration requirements.;The handbook provides a portable and ready reference to the numerous requirements imposed upon the major ship types, focusing on cargo ships, tankers, gas carriers and chemical carriers. It is subdivided by reference to the age of the ship.