Three pillars support IMO regulations, one of which is SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). The Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships is contained in SOLAS Chapter VIII, specifically Resolution A.491(XII). This important piece of maritime legislation continues to be in place today and offers an international safety standard for the planning, building, commissioning, operating, and decommissioning of nuclear-powered merchant ships. Written in 1981, the preface to the Code recognises the unique nature of these safety requirements as well as the "anticipated rise in the usage of nuclear propulsion of merchant ships." Practically speaking, the adoption of the Code was very low at the time, and when SOLAS VIII and A.491 (XII) came into effect, very few nations had ratified them. The Code is restricted to conventional types of ships propelled by nuclear plants of the pressurised light water type (PWR), but crucially, it also had the foresight to state that "it is recognised that review will be necessary as technology progresses". This review and eventual updating of SOLAS Chapter VIII by the member states of the IMO is a process that NEMO will be ready to assist with.

The Convention on the Liability of Operators of Nuclear Ships, published in 1962, establishes a legal framework in the event of nuclear incidents involving nuclear-powered ships. This convention was created to provide clear guidelines and ensure adequate compensation for damage caused by nuclear ships, promoting safety and responsibility in maritime nuclear activities. The publication details everything from dealing with incident victims to international cooperation provisions, however, is seen as heavily outdated due to the rapid advancement of nuclear technology over the last six decades.

The Introduction to Advanced Commercial Nuclear for Maritime – is a publication focused on the application of advanced nuclear technologies in the maritime industry. Produced by the Maritime Nuclear Applications Group (MNAG), this is a robust primer that provides insights into how modern nuclear reactors can be utilized for commercial shipping and other maritime activities. The document covers the benefits, challenges, and regulatory considerations associated with deploying mobile nuclear energy solutions and nuclear propulsion systems on merchant ships, highlighting advancements in safety, efficiency, and environmental impact. It aims to inform stakeholders about the potential of nuclear technology to revolutionize maritime operations as the genesis of a new type of energy system.

The Fourth IMO GHG Study 2020 is a comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping between 2012 and 2018. It evaluates emission trends, energy efficiency improvements, and provides a detailed analysis of emissions by ship type, size, and age. The study aims to inform policy and regulatory measures to reduce the environmental impact of the maritime industry.

Published in 1968 on behalf of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency. This publication aims to offer guidance to governments and port authorities regarding the procedures and precautionary measures to implement when nuclear merchant ships utilize ports and their approaches. The challenge lies in the fact that the safety standards of nuclear ships may differ from those of the port of entry country.