Conditions for ship recycling are generally sub-standard, especially from the work environment perspective, at shipyards engaged in this type of activity in countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Ships are scrapped on beaches by workers without any kind of protective equipment. Scrapping of ships was discontinued in Europe in the 1970s. In order to improve conditions for ship recycling, the entire operating life of the ship must be taken into account.

Resolution A.962(23) Guidelines on Ship Recycling
The IMO adopted Resolution A.962(23) Guidelines on Ship Recycling on 23 December 2003. The guidelines describe procedures for encouraging recycling when new ships are built. Preparations for recycling ships and ship equipment can be made in the design and construction stages. Preparation may extend to evaluation of the type, quantity and potential risks of the materials used, the location of the material onboard the ship and options for dealing with any generation of hazardous waste through e.g., installing technology that produces less waste. The guidelines also mention a “Green Passport” to facilitate recycling of ships. It is meant to follow the ship throughout its operating life and provide information about potentially hazardous construction materials, equipment and systems.

MEPC/Circ. 419, Guidelines for the Development of the Ship Recycling Plan provides further technical information and guidance on how a ship recycling plan, SRP, should be written (recommendation in section 8.3.2 of Resolution A.962(23) IMO Guidelines on Ship Recycling).

Recycling facilities and ship-owners are encouraged to use the parts applicable to their situations.