This Guide details the requirements and preparations for Masters and Navigating Officers on vessels intending to transit the Panamax or Neopanamax locks of the Panama Canal.

This publication provides a comprehensive overview of US ballast water management regulations, including federal to state level requirements, the development of future US legislation and ballast water exchange and treatment. It provides detailed information on the ballast water management systems (BWMS) that are type-approved by the US Coast Guard (USCG) for ballasting operations in US waters.

New edition 2025 is expected in May 2025. This 2024-25 edition sets out procedures for the correct configuration of ECDIS and, utilising the APEM (appraisal, planning, execution and monitoring) methodology, highlights best practices for passage planning and watchkeeping.