This International Standard gives guidance on towing procedures for cargo ships and passenger ships in emergency situations subject to SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-4.

Cargo ships which are constructed on or after 1 January 2010 shall be provided with a ship-specific emergency towing procedure and all passenger ships shall be provided with a ship-specific emergency towing procedure by 1 January 2010. For cargo ships constructed before 1 January 2010, they shall be provided with ship-specific emergency towing procedure by 1 January 2012 in accordance with SOLAS (Chapter II-1 Reg. 3-4).