The ISAF Offshore Special Regulations govern offshore racing for monohulls and multihulls, structural features, yacht equipment, personal equipment and training.

In 2003 ISAF introduced a standard basic syllabus for the training of safety courses in order to establish an International recognised qualification. The training requirements form part of the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations. These course are run and established by ISAF Member National Authorities (MNA) and conform to ISAF minimum standards.

The IMO (International Maritime Organisation), which met for the first time in 1959, is the specialised agency of the United Nations devoted to maritime affairs where its main interests can be summed up in the phrase "Safer Shipping and Cleaner Oceans". Over the years, IMO has developed and promoted the adoption of more than 40 conventions and protocols as well as 800 codes and recommendations dealing with maritime safety, the prevention of pollution at sea and other matters. The most important of these are mandatory for ships engaged in International Trade, and even the recommendations are often universal in their impact.

First established in 1947 as a non-governmental organization, ISO represents a network of national standards institutes from over 140 different countries, working in partnership with organisations, governments, industries, and business around the globe. ISAF have a keen interest in much of the ISO's work but in particular that of the Technical Committee - TC/188 which is responsible for standards involving Small Craft. This area of work is very often forgotten and it is surprising to look at the depth of the subjects that the Small Craft Committee has been involved in. Items range from dealing with seacocks and hull fittings to owner's manuals and steering systems.