UNOLS Member Institutions first adopted the Research Vessel Safety Standards (RVSS) in May 1976. Later editions were adopted by members at UNOLS meetings in May 1981, May 1985, October 1989, September 1992, October 1995, July 1999, March 2003, March 2009, and July 2015. This latest eleventh edition, June 2023 Correction was approved in June 2023. In lieu of published institutional policy, these safety standards are considered the guidelines for UNOLS Research Vessels. For that reason, all UNOLS Members, both Operators and others, should be thoroughly familiar with the contents of this manual and comply with its recommendations as appropriate.