
Comply with global standards using the 2008 IS Code. This digital edition offers essential stability criteria and guidelines for safe vessel operations. Requires IMO’s free e-Reader.
Data sheet
Specific References
The International Code on Intact Stability 2008 (IS Code 2008) sets the global benchmark for ship stability standards, ensuring vessels operate safely while minimizing risks to crew, cargo, and the environment. Mandatory and recommended criteria are meticulously outlined to address real-world challenges, from adverse weather conditions to dynamic operational stresses. This digital edition integrates the latest advancements in naval architecture, combining engineering principles with practical insights to enhance maritime safety protocols.
This code provides a robust framework for evaluating intact stability, covering critical factors such as wind forces on high-windage vessels, rolling characteristics, and severe sea conditions. It also addresses the "lightship" condition, ensuring stability assessments account for all operational scenarios. By harmonizing theoretical models with field-tested practices, the IS Code 2008 delivers actionable guidance for ship designers, operators, and regulatory bodies worldwide.
Included in this publication are detailed Explanatory Notes, offering step-by-step interpretations of the code’s requirements. These notes bridge the gap between regulatory language and practical implementation, helping maritime administrations and industry professionals apply stability criteria consistently. Whether for newbuilds or existing vessels, the notes clarify complex concepts, ensuring compliance without ambiguity.
Available as a secure digital edition, this version is compatible with the IMO Bookshelf reader, providing instant access to critical stability data. The locked format ensures content integrity while allowing seamless navigation through 162 pages of standards, diagrams, and reference materials. Ideal for onboard use or office reference, the digital format eliminates physical storage constraints while maintaining the same authoritative content as the print edition.
Engineers, naval architects, surveyors, and ship operators rely on the IS Code 2008 to validate vessel safety across diverse conditions. The 2020 edition incorporates updates to reflect evolving industry needs, making it an indispensable resource for compliance with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and other international maritime conventions. Downloadable supplements further ensure users stay current with regulatory developments.
Strengthen Vessel Safety with the Definitive Stability Standard
The IMO International Code on Intact Stability 2008 is the cornerstone of modern maritime safety, providing a science-backed framework to assess and mitigate stability risks. Developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this code establishes mandatory and recommended criteria that govern ship design, construction, and operation. By addressing critical factors like wind pressure, wave dynamics, and lightship conditions, it ensures vessels maintain stability under real-world stresses—reducing the likelihood of capsizing, structural failure, or environmental incidents.
Engineered for Precision and Practicality
This digital edition consolidates decades of naval research and operational experience into a single, accessible resource. The 2008 code introduces advanced stability concepts, including probabilistic damage stability assessments and performance-based criteria, reflecting the latest advancements in maritime engineering. With 162 pages of technical guidance, it serves as both a regulatory compliance tool and a practical reference for shipbuilders, classification societies, and flag state authorities.
Explanatory Notes: Bridging Theory and Application
Beyond the core stability criteria, this publication includes Explanatory Notes—a critical feature that demystifies complex requirements. These notes provide context, examples, and best practices to help users interpret and apply the code uniformly. Whether evaluating a new design or retrofitting an existing vessel, maritime professionals can rely on these guidelines to make informed decisions, ensuring consistency across global fleets.
Digital Efficiency for Modern Maritime Operations
Delivered in a secure, locked digital format (EBK), this edition is optimized for the IMO Bookshelf reader, offering instant access to stability standards without the limitations of physical copies. The 210 mm x 150 mm layout ensures readability, while the digital platform enables quick searches and cross-referencing. Note that this version is incompatible with Macs, iOS, or Android devices, requiring a Windows-based system for full functionality. A downloadable supplement is available on the IMO website to keep users updated on regulatory changes.
Global Compliance, Local Impact
Effective since July 1, 2010, the IS Code 2008 is a mandatory requirement under SOLAS Chapter II-1, making it essential for vessels engaged in international trade. The 2020 edition reflects minor updates to align with contemporary maritime practices, ensuring relevance for today’s fleets. By adhering to these standards, shipowners and operators demonstrate their commitment to safety, environmental protection, and operational excellence—key priorities in an industry governed by stringent international regulations.
This digital publication of the IMO International Code on Intact Stability 2008 is designed for seamless integration into maritime workflows. The locked EBK format ensures content security while providing full access to 162 pages of stability criteria, explanatory notes, and technical diagrams. Compatible exclusively with the IMO Bookshelf software on Windows platforms, it excludes Mac, iOS, and Android devices. The 2020 edition (originally published in 2008) includes updates to reflect current industry standards, with a downloadable supplement available for ongoing compliance.
With a legacy of shaping global maritime standards, the publisher behind this code is a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. Its publications are developed through collaborative efforts involving governments, industry experts, and classification societies, ensuring they reflect the highest levels of technical rigor and practical applicability. This digital edition upholds that tradition, offering a reliable resource for professionals navigating the complexities of vessel stability.
The digital publication requires the IMO Bookshelf software to be read.
No, this digital version is not compatible with Macs, iPhones, iOS, or Android phones.
The physical version measures 210 mm in height and 150 mm in width.
The regulations outlined in this code came into effect on July 1, 2010.
Yes, it includes Explanatory Notes to provide specific guidance for uniform interpretation and application of intact stability requirements.
The publication contains 162 pages.
The supplement can be downloaded from the IMO website.
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