The first international maritime training guide for fishermen, the Document for Guidance on Fishermen's Training and Certification, was prepared by a joint FAO/ILO/IMO working group and published by IMO in 1985.

The Document for Guidance took account of the conventions and recommendations adopted by ILO and IMO and the wide practical experience of FAO in the field of fishermen's training and covered training and certification of small-scale and industrial fishermen.

In 1995 a joint working group, in co-operation with FAO and ILO, reviewed the Document for Guidance with particular reference to relevant resolutions of the 1995 International Conference on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F). The outcome was a revised document entitled Document for Guidance on Training and Certification of Fishing Vessel Personnel.