“Welcome to Chapter 8.0 of the VSP 2025 Environmental Public Health Standards — Integrated Pest Management, or IPM.

This chapter explains how every vessel must prevent, monitor, and control pests to protect food, water, and living environments onboard.

You’ll learn how pests enter the ship, where they hide, and how they can contaminate food and spread disease.

We’ll explore how an Integrated Pest Management plan is developed, implemented, and reviewed — including monitoring systems, documentation, and safe use of pesticides.

You’ll also discover the practical steps of pest exclusion, effective control in food areas, and the correct use of rat guards, traps, and inspection logs in line with VSP 2025 requirements.

By the end of this chapter, you’ll understand your role in maintaining a clean, pest-free environment and how everyday actions — from good sanitation to proper maintenance — help the entire ship stay healthy, safe, and compliant.”