Book excerpt: The Book has been thoroughly revised, keeping in mind the rapid technological advances in this mammoth industry and also the feedback received from various quarters. Relevant extracts from current SOLAS. IACS, Lloyd's Register, DNV and ABS Rules, have been included with permission. However, these must be used only for academic purposes. Relevant current documents onboard ships musl be referred to, for the purpose of complying with Classification Societies' and other Statutory Requirements.