IMO has issued both the International Convention for Safe Containers, CSC, and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods code, IMDG. Both of these are mandatory international regulations. IMO has recognised that the CSC convention is not directly applicable for offshore containers that are handled in open seas, and has issued a circular (MSC/Circ.860) with guidelines on certification of offshore containers. The IMDG code also requires that containers and portable tanks that are handled in open seas should be certified for this purpose.

Containers certified to this standard also comply with MSC/Circ.860, and this will be referenced in the certificates.

IMO has also issued the code of safe practice for the carriage of cargoes and persons by offshore supply vessels (OSV code) which includes guidelines for handling, stowage and securing of cargoes.