The Guide contains recommendations on safety, minimum equipment levels and good operating practices, but it is recognised that if more stringent international, national or local regulations apply, they must take precedence.

This Guide is a required publication on the SIRE Vessel Inspection Questionnaires for Oil Tankers, Combination Carriers, Shuttle Tankers, Chemical Tankers and Gas Tankers.

This publication supersedes:

• Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Petroleum), 4th Edition, 2005 ,  ISBN 9781856092586
• Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Liquefied Gases), 2nd Edition, ISBN 9781856090827
• LNG Ship to Ship Transfer Guidelines , ISBN 9781856094399

The Guide is aimed at providing advice for Masters, Marine Superintendents and others, such as STS service providers and transfer organisers, who may be involved in the planning and execution of STS operations.

Particular attention is given to the effective planning of operations and aspects that include risk assessment, ship compatibility and the management of workloads to minimise fatigue.