ISGOOT 5th Edition

Introduction to Fifth Edition 

 Safety is critical to the tanker industry. The International Safety Guide for Oil 

Tankers and Terminals, or ISGOTT as it is now widely known, has become 

the standard reference work on the safe operation of oil tankers and the 

terminals they serve. To remain so, the Guide must keep abreast of changes 

in vessel design and operating practice and reflect the latest technology and 

legislation. 

In this Fifth Edition, account has been taken of latest thinking on a number of 

issues including the generation of static electricity and stray currents; the use 

of mobile phones and pagers which are now ever present but which did not 

warrant a mention in the Fourth Edition; the use of new materials for mooring 

lines as emergency towing off pennants; the toxicity and the toxic effects of 

benzene and hydrogen sulphide; and the introduction of the International 

Safety Management (ISM) Code. The Ship/Shore Safety Check List has been 

completely revised to better reflect the individual and joint responsibilities of 

the tanker and the terminal. 

The Guide is now divided into four sections: General Information; Tanker 

Information; Terminal Information and the Management of the Tanker and 

Terminal Interface. Care has been taken to ensure that where the guidance 

given in previous editions was still relevant and fit-for purpose it has not been 

changed or deleted in moving to the new format. 

We believe that ISGOTT continues to provide the best technical guidance on 

tanker and terminal operations. All operators are urged to ensure that the 

recommendations in this guide are not only read and fully understood, but 

also followed.