This document provides guidance on the necessary elements of an integrity management system required to achieve an acceptable level of ongoing safety for the use of wire ropes in a marine environment. It takes account of the range of environments, including the sometimes harsh conditions experienced, in the global marine environment and, for this reason, provides guidance which represents global good practice.

The guidance was prepared by a workgroup comprising representatives from IMCA contractor members active around the world plus specialist input from wire rope manufacturers, related organisations and regulatory bodies. It was developed drawing on elements of what is considered good practice from informed such sources such as ISO, various company procedures, regulations and associated guidance plus manufacturers' guidance.

These guidelines are also available with the reference IMCA M 194.