Classification societies – what, why and how?
Transcript of Classification societies – what, why and how?
Classification societies– what, why and how?
Leading the way: dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, IACS Members make a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the Member Societies of IACS.
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper2
CONTENTSA INTRODUCTION 3
A1 ClassificationSocietiestoday 3
A2 Why‘Classification’? 3
A3 TheInternationalAssociationofClassification Societies–IACS 4
B CLASSIFICATION 5
B1 Scopeofclassification 5
B2 Assignment, maintenance, suspension and withdrawalofclass 5
B3 Classificationsurveys 6
C DEVELOPMENT OF RULES, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE 7
C1Historicaldevelopment 7
C2Futuredevelopment 7
C3IACSResolutions 7
C4OtherPublications 8
D SURVEYORS 8 D1QualitiesandqualificationsofSurveyors 8
E STATUTORY CERTIFICATION OF SHIPS 8
E1Framework 8
E2RecognisedOrganizations 9
APPENDIX 1 – THE LANGUAGE OF CLASSIFICATION AND SURVEYS 10 1 CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES – DEFINITION 10
2 CLASSIFICATION NOTATIONS 10 2.1 Classsymbol 10 2.2 Constructionmark 10 2.3 Servicenotations 10 2.4 Navigationandoperatingareanotations 10 2.5 Additionalclassnotations 11
3 ASSIGNMENT, MAINTENANCE, SUSPENSION AND WITHDRAWAL OF CLASS 11 3.1 Assignmentofclass 11 3.2 Maintenanceofclass 11 3.3Suspensionofclass 11 3.4Withdrawalofclass 12 3.5Notificationofsuspensionorwithdrawal 12
4 SURVEYS - AN OVERVIEW OF REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATION 12
4.1Definitionsandproceduresrelatedto classificationsurveys 12
4.2Classsurveysperiodicityandscope 13
4.3Classcertificate 14
4.4Definitionsandproceduresrelatedtostatutory surveysandinspections 14
4.5Statutorycertificates 15
APPENDIX 2 16
1TheMembersofIACS 16
2IACSPermanentSecretariat 16
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper3
SafetyofLifeatSea,(SOLAS)andinthe1988ProtocoltotheInternationalConventiononLoadLines.Thisstatutory role is addressed later in this note. As an independent, self-regulating, externally audited body,aClassificationSocietyhasnocommercialinterestsrelatedtoshipdesign,shipbuilding,shipownership, ship operation, ship management, ship maintenance or repairs, insurance, or chartering. In establishingitsRules,eachClassificationSocietymaydrawupontheadviceandreviewofmembersoftheindustryandacademiawhoareconsideredtohaverelevantknowledgeorexperience.
ClassificationRulesaredevelopedtoestablishstandardsforthestructuralstrengthoftheship’shullanditsappendages,andthesuitabilityofthepropulsionandsteering systems, power generation and those other featuresandauxiliarysystemswhichhavebeenbuiltintotheshiptoassistinitsoperation.ClassificationRulesarenotintendedasadesigncodeandinfactcannotbeused as such.
AvesselbuiltinaccordancewiththeapplicableRulesofanIACSMemberSocietymaybeassignedaclassdesignationbytheSocietyonsatisfactorycompletionoftherelevantsurveys.Forshipsinservice,theSocietycarriesoutsurveystoverifythattheshipremainsincompliancewiththoseRules.Shouldanydefectsthatmayaffectclassbecomeapparent,ordamagesbesustainedbetweentherelevantsurveys,theownerisrequiredtoinformtheSocietyconcernedwithoutdelay.
Theclassificationofavesselisbasedontheunderstandingthatthevesselisloaded,operatedandmaintainedinapropermannerbycompetentandqualifiedcreworoperatingpersonnel.
Avesselmaybemaintainedinclassprovidedthat,intheopinionoftheSocietyconcerned,itremainsincompliancewiththerelevantRules,asascertainedbyperiodicornon-periodicsurvey.
IndevelopingitsRules,aClassificationSocietytypicallyrelies on empirical experience gained from classing a widevarietyofshiptypesovermanyyears,coupledwithappropriateresearchthatcontributestowardstheon-goingdevelopmentofrelevant,advancedtechnicalrequirements.
ClassificationSocietiesareoftensimplyreferredtoas‘ClassSocieties’orjust‘Class’(‘class’).
A2 Why ‘Classification’?
Inthesecondhalfofthe18thcentury,marineinsurers,basedatLloyd’scoffeehouseinLondon,developedasystem for the independent technical assessment of the shipspresentedtothemforinsurancecover.In1760
A INTRODUCTION A1 Classification Societies today
ThepurposeofaClassificationSocietyistoprovideclassificationandstatutoryservicesandassistancetothemaritimeindustryandregulatorybodiesasregardsmaritimesafetyandpollutionprevention,basedontheaccumulation of maritime knowledge and technology.
Theobjectiveofshipclassificationistoverifythestructural strength and integrity of essential parts of theship’shullanditsappendages,andthereliabilityand function of the propulsion and steering systems, power generation and those other features and auxiliary systemswhichhavebeenbuiltintotheshipinordertomaintainessentialservicesonboard.ClassificationSocietiesaimtoachievethisobjectivethroughthedevelopmentandapplicationoftheirownRulesandbyverifyingcompliancewithinternationaland/ornationalstatutoryregulationsonbehalfofflagAdministrations.
ThevastmajorityofcommercialshipsarebuilttoandsurveyedforcompliancewiththestandardslaiddownbyClassificationSocieties.ThesestandardsareissuedbytheSocietyaspublishedRules. AvesselthathasbeendesignedandbuilttotheappropriateRulesofaSocietymayapplyforacertificateofclassificationfromthatSociety.
However,suchacertificatedoesnotimply,andshouldnotbeconstruedas,awarrantyofsafety,fitnessforpurpose or seaworthiness of the ship. It is an attestation onlythatthevesselisincompliancewiththeRulesthathavebeendevelopedandpublishedbytheSocietyissuingtheclassificationcertificate.Further,ClassificationSocietiesarenotguarantorsofsafetyoflifeorpropertyatseaortheseaworthinessofavesselbecausetheClassificationSocietyhasnocontroloverhowavesselismanned,operatedandmaintainedbetweentheperiodicalsurveyswhichitconducts.
Morethan50organizationsworldwidedefinetheiractivitiesasprovidingsomeformofmarineclassificationservices;however,notallmeetthedefinitiongiveninAppendix1.Somethatdo(listedinAppendix2)formtheInternationalAssociationofClassificationSocieties(IACS).ItisestimatedthattheMembersofIACScollectivelyclassover90percentofallcommercialtonnageinvolvedininternationaltradeworldwide.
Classificationisoneelementwithinthemaritimesafetyregime.Otherswitharesponsibilityfororinterestin promoting maritime safety include shipowners, shipbuilders,flagStateadministrations,portStatecontrolauthorities,underwriters,shippingfinanciers,charterers, and, of course, seafarers.
TheroleofclassificationandClassificationSocietieshasbeenrecognizedintheInternationalConventionforthe
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper4
Astheclassificationprofessionevolved,thepracticeofassigningdifferentclassificationshasbeensuperseded,withsomeexceptions.TodayavesseleithermeetstherelevantClassSociety’sRulesoritdoesnot.Asaconsequenceitiseither‘in’or‘out’of‘class’.However,eachoftheClassificationSocietieshasdevelopedaseriesofnotationsthatmaybegrantedtoavesseltoindicate that it is in compliance with some additional voluntarycriteriathatmaybeeitherspecifictothatvesseltypeorthatareinexcessofthestandardclassificationrequirements.
A3 The International Association of Classification Societies - IACS
IACScantraceitsoriginsbacktotheInternationalLoadLineConventionof1930anditsrecommendations.TheConventionrecommendedcollaborationbetweenClassificationSocietiestosecure“asmuchuniformityaspossibleintheapplicationofthestandardsofstrengthuponwhichfreeboardisbased…”.
FollowingtheConvention,RINAhostedthefirstconferenceofmajorSocietiesin1939-alsoattendedbyABS,BV,DNV,GL,LRandNK-whichagreedonfurthercooperationbetweentheSocieties.
AsecondmajorClassSocietyconference,heldin1955,ledtothecreationofWorkingPartiesonspecifictopicsand,in1968,totheformationofIACSbysevenleadingSocieties.Thevalueoftheircombinedleveloftechnicalknowledge and experience was quickly recognised. In1969,IACSwasgivenconsultativestatuswiththeInternationalMaritimeOrganization(IMO).Itremainstheonlynon-governmentalorganizationwithObserverstatuswhichisabletodevelopandapplyRules.
CompliancewiththeIACSQualitySystemCertificationScheme(QSCS)ismandatoryforIACSMembership.FulldetailsoftheschemeareavailableontheIACSwebsite.
IACSisgovernedbyaCouncil,witheachMemberrepresentedbyaseniormanagementfigure.
UndertheCouncilistheGeneralPolicyGroup(GPG),madeupofaseniormanagerfromeachMember,whichdevelopsandimplementsactionsgivingeffecttothepolicies, directions and long term plans of the Council.
ThechairofGPGistakenbytheMemberholdingtheCouncilchair.IACS’stechnicalworkisundertakengenerallythroughspecialistWorkingGroupsoverseenbyGPG.
TheAssociationmaintainsaSecretariatinLondonandaQSCSOperationsCentreinSouthampton,UK.
TheIACSCharter,Procedures,detailsoftheworkprogramme,technicalResolutionsandotherpublicationsareallavailableontheIACSwebsite.
a Committee was formed for this purpose, the earliest existingresultoftheirinitiativebeingLloyd’sRegisterBookfortheyears1764-65-66.
Atthattime,anattemptwasmadeto‘classify’theconditionofeachshiponanannualbasis.TheconditionofthehullwasclassifiedA,E,I,OorU,accordingtotheexcellenceofitsconstructionanditsadjudgedcontinuingsoundness(orotherwise).EquipmentwasG,M,orB:simply,good,middlingorbad.Intime,G,MandBwerereplacedby1,2or3,whichistheoriginofthewell-knownexpression‘A1’,meaning‘firstorhighestclass’.
Theconceptofclassificationslowlyspreadtoothercountriesandinsurancemarkets.BureauVeritas(BV)wasfoundedinAntwerpin1828,movingtoParisin1832.‘Lloyd’sRegisterofBritishandForeignShipping’wasreconstitutedasaself-standing‘ClassificationSociety’in1834;Rulesforconstructionandsurveywerepublishedthesameyear.
RINA(previouslyRegistroItalianoNavale)datesfrom1861;AmericanBureauofShipping(ABS)tracesitsoriginsbackto1862.AdoptionofcommonRulesforshipconstructionbyNorwegianinsurancesocietiesinthelate1850sledtotheestablishmentofDetNorskeVeritas(DNV)in1864.GermanischerLloyd(GL)wasformedin1867andNipponKaijiKyokai(ClassNK)in1899.TheRussianMaritimeRegisterofShipping(RS)wasanearlyoffshootoftheRiverRegisterof1913.MorerecentfoundationshavebeenPolishRegisterofShipping(PRS)in1936;YugoslavRegisterofShipping(nowtheCroatianRegisterofShipping(CRS)),1949;ChinaClassificationSociety(CCS),1956;KoreanRegister(PreviouslyKoreanRegisterofShipping)(KR),1960;andIndianRegisterofShipping(IRS),1975.
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper5
operationalelements.Activitieswhichgenerallyfalloutsidethescopeofclassificationincludesuchitemsas:designandmanufacturingprocesses;choiceoftypeandpowerofmachineryandcertainequipment(e.g.winches);numberandqualificationofcreworoperatingpersonnel;formandcargocarryingcapacityoftheshipandmanoeuvringperformance;hullvibrations;spareparts;life-savingappliancesandmaintenanceequipment.Thesemattersmayhoweverbegivenconsiderationforclassificationaccordingtothetypeofshiporclassnotation(s)assigned. Itshouldbeemphasizedthatitistheshipownerwhohastheoverallresponsibilityforthesafetyandintegrityofavessel,includingthemannerinwhichitisoperatedandmaintained.Theeffectivenessofclassificationdependsupontheshipbuilder,duringconstruction,andtheshipowner,oncethevesselentersservice,cooperatingwiththeClassSocietyinanopenandtransparentmanneronallissueswhichmayaffectitsclass status. For the shipowner, this particularly requires actingingoodfaithbydisclosingtotheClassSocietyanydamageordeteriorationthatmayaffectthevessel’sclassificationstatus.Ifthereistheleastquestion,theownershouldnotifyclassandscheduleasurveytodetermineifthevesselisincompliancewiththerelevantclass standard.
AClasssurveyormayonlygoonboardavesselonceinatwelve-monthperiod.Atthattimeitisneitherpossiblenorexpectedthatthesurveyorscrutinizetheentirestructureofthevesseloritsmachinery.Thesurveyinvolvesasampling,forwhichguidelinesexistbaseduponempiricalexperienceandtheageofthevesselwhichmayindicatethosepartsofthevesseloritsmachinerythatmaybesubjecttocorrosion,orareexposedtothehighestincidenceofstress,ormaybelikelytoexhibitsignsoffatigueordamage.
B2 Assignment, maintenance, suspension and withdrawal of class
ClassisassignedtoavesseluponthecompletionofsatisfactoryreviewofthedesignandsurveysduringconstructionundertakeninordertoverifycompliancewiththeRulesoftheSociety.Forexistingvessels,specificproceduresapplywhentheyarebeingtransferredfromoneClassSocietytoanother.
Shipsaresubjecttoathrough-lifesurveyregimeiftheyaretoberetainedinclass.Thesesurveysincludetheclassrenewal(alsocalled“specialsurvey”),intermediatesurvey,annualsurvey,andbottom/dockingsurveysofthehull.Theyalsoincludetailshaftsurvey,boilersurvey,machinerysurveysand,whereapplicable,surveysofitems associated with the maintenance of additional classnotations(seeAppendix1).
B CLASSIFICATION
B1 Scope of classification
ImplementingthepublishedRules,theclassificationprocessconsistsof:
• AtechnicalreviewofthedesignplansandrelateddocumentsforanewvesseltoverifycompliancewiththeapplicableRules;
• AttendanceattheconstructionofthevesselintheshipyardbyaClassificationSocietysurveyor(s)toverifythatthevesselisconstructedinaccordancewiththeapproveddesignplansandclassificationRules;
• AttendancebyaClassificationSocietysurveyor(s)attherelevantproductionfacilitiesthatprovidekeycomponents such as the steel, engine, generators and castingstoverifythatthecomponentconformstotheapplicableRulerequirements;
• AttendancebyaClassificationSocietysurveyor(s)attheseatrialsandothertrialsrelatingtothevesselanditsequipmentpriortodeliverytoverifyconformancewiththeapplicableRulerequirements;
• Uponsatisfactorycompletionoftheabove,thebuilder’s/shipowner’srequestfortheissuanceofaclasscertificatewillbeconsideredbytherelevantClassificationSocietyand,ifdeemedsatisfactory,theassignmentofclassmaybeapprovedandacertificateofclassificationissued;
• Onceinservice,theownermustsubmitthevesseltoaclearlyspecifiedprogrammeofperiodicalclasssurveys,carriedoutonboardthevessel,toverifythattheshipcontinuestomeettherelevantRulerequirements for continuation of class.
ClassRulesdonotcovereverypieceofstructureoritemofequipmentonboardavessel,nordotheycover
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper6
exhibitsubstantialcorrosion,significantdeformation,fractures, damages or other structural deterioration.
Dependingupontheage,size,typeandconditionofthevessel,therenewal/specialsurveymaytakeseveralweeks to complete.
Theintermediatesurvey(heldapproximatelyhalfwaybetweenspecialsurveys)includesexaminationsandchecksasspecifiedintheRulestodeterminewhethertheshipremainsinageneralconditionwhichsatisfiestheRulerequirements.Accordingtothetypeandageoftheship,drydockingmayberequiredandtheexaminationsofthehullmaybesupplementedbyultrasonicthicknessmeasurementsasspecifiedintheRulesandwheredeemednecessarybytheattendingsurveyor.
Atthetimeofannualsurveys,theshipisgenerallyexamined.Thesurveyincludesanexternalgeneralinspection of the hull, equipment and machinery of the ship and some witnessing of tests, so far as is necessary and practical in order to determine whether the ship remainsinageneralconditionwhichsatisfiestheRulerequirements.Oldershipsofcertaintypesmayalsobesubjecttoageneralexaminationofsomespecifiedinternalareasofthehull.Dependingupontheage,size,typeandconditionofthevessel,anannualsurveymaytakefromseveralhourstoafewdaystocomplete.
Thesurveysaretobecarriedoutinaccordancewiththerelevantclassrequirementstoconfirmthattheconditionof the hull, machinery, equipment and appliances is in compliancewiththeapplicableRules.
Itistheowner’sresponsibilitytoproperlymaintaintheshipintheperiodbetweensurveys.Itisthedutyoftheowner,oritsrepresentative,toinformtheSocietyofanyeventsorcircumstancesthatmayaffectthecontinuedconformanceoftheshipwiththeSociety’sRules.
Where the conditions for the maintenance of class are notcompliedwith,classmaybesuspended,withdrawnorrevisedtoadifferentnotation,asdeemedappropriatebytheSocietywhenitbecomesawareofthecondition.
B3 Classification surveys
Aclassificationsurveyisavisualexaminationthatnormallyconsistsof:
• anoverallexaminationoftheitemsidentifiedintheRulesforsurvey;
• detailed checks of selected parts, on a sampling basis;
• witnessing tests, measurements and trials where applicable.
Whenasurveyoridentifiescorrosion,structuraldefectsordamagetohull,machineryand/orpieceofequipmentwhich,basedontheSociety’sRulesandintheopinionofthesurveyor,affectstheship’sclass,remedialmeasuresand/orappropriaterecommendations/conditionsofclassarespecifiedinordertoretainclass.
‘Recommendation’and‘conditionofclass’aredifferenttermsusedbyIACSSocietiesforthesamethingi.e.requirementstotheeffectthatspecificmeasures,repairs,requestforsurveysetc.,aretobecarriedoutwithinaspecifiedtimelimitinordertoretainclass.
Eachclassedvesselissubjecttoaspecifiedprogrammeofperiodicsurveysafterdelivery.Thesearebasedonafive-yearcycleandconsistofannualsurveys,anintermediatesurveyandaclassrenewal/specialsurvey(heldevery5years).Therigourofeachspecifiedsurveyincreaseswiththeageofthevessel.
Theclassrenewalsurveys/specialsurveysincludeextensivein-waterand,inmostcases,out-of-waterexaminationstoverifythatthestructure,mainandessential auxiliary machinery, systems and equipment of theshipremaininaconditionwhichsatisfiestherelevantRules.Theexaminationofthehullissupplemented,whenspecified,byultrasonicthicknessmeasurementsandthewitnessingoftestsasspecifiedintheRulesandasdeemednecessarybytheattendingsurveyor.Thesurveyisintendedtoassesswhetherthestructuralintegrity remains in conformance with the standards containedintherelevantRulesandtoidentifyareasthat
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper7
projectandoneofthemostimportantsinglestepsinthedevelopmentofmaritimeRulesthatIACShasbeeninvolvedwith.
C3 IACS Resolutions
C3.1 General
InadditiontotheCommonRulesprojects,IACSResolutionsontechnicalorproceduralmattersmaybedeveloped,generallythroughspecialistWorkingGroupsoverseenbytheGeneralPolicyGroup(GPG).
ThecategoriesofResolutionarelistedbelowandmaybefoundontheIACSwebsite.
C3.2 Unified Requirements
AsdefinedinAnnex4oftheIACSCharter,UnifiedRequirements(UR)areminimumtechnicalrequirementsadoptedbytheIACSMemberswhich,subjecttoratificationbythegoverningbodyofeachMember,aretobeincorporatedintheirRulesandpractices.URssetforthminimumrequirements;eachIACSMemberremains free to adopt more stringent requirements.
URsarerelevanttomattersdirectlyconnectedtoorcoveredbyspecificRulerequirementsandpracticesofClassificationSocietiesandthegeneralphilosophyonwhichtheRulesandpracticesofClassificationSocietiesareestablished.
TheexistenceofaURdoesnotobligeaMemberSocietytoissuerespectiveRulesifitchoosesnottohaveRulesfor the type of ship or maritime structure concerned.
Reservations:SinceeachMemberhasitsownGoverningBody,asituationmayarisewherecertainaspectsnotforeseenduringthedraftURdevelopmentprocess,orexternalreview,arefoundunsuitabletotheGoverningBodyofaMemberSociety.Insuchacase,thatSocietyisobligedtonotifytheothersofthesituationbydeclaringareservationtoallorpartoftheURandprovidetechnicalreasonsforthereservation.ThestatusofeachURispostedontheIACSwebsite.
C3.3 Common Rules
CommonRulesareIACSURscoveringbroadareasofclassificationrequirementswhich,onceadoptedbyIACSCouncil,shallbeappliedbyallMemberswithoutthepossibilityofreservations.
AsdefinedinAnnex4oftheIACSCharter,IACSCommonStructuralRules(CSR)areacomprehensivesetofminimumrequirementsfortheclassificationofthehullstructuresofbulkcarriersanddouble-hulloiltankers, in relation to which the contract for construction wassignedonorafter1April2006.
C DEVELOPMENT OF RULES, REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
C1 Historical development
ClassificationRuleshavebeendevelopedovermanyyearsbyeachSocietythroughextensiveresearchanddevelopmentandserviceexperience.Inaddition,certainUnifiedRequirementshavebeenagreedbyIACSMembersandtransposedintotheindividualMembers’Rules.
Asoutlinedlater,‘statutory’requirementsaredevelopedatIMOandwherenecessary,UnifiedInterpretationsofthemareadoptedbyIACS.
C2 Future development
RulesandRegulationsaresubjecttoconstantrefinementbaseduponadditionalresearchorpracticalexperience.
Ultimately it is up to the international community, as expressedthroughtheirgovernmentalrepresentationattheIMO,todeterminetheacceptablelevelofriskassociatedwiththeconductofmarinetransport.Thesestandardsmaybeprescriptiveorgoal-based.Intheformercase,theClassSocietiesmaydevelopUnifiedInterpretations,undertheaegisofIACS,whichclarifythe intent and application of the international standards. Inthelattercaseofgoal-basedstandards,theIMOmayestablishbroadrequirementsandthenleaveittotheClassificationSocietiestodevelopthedetailedRulesthatwillallowindustrytomeetthosetargets.ThecurrentfocusoftheIMOisanewandtransparentgoal-basedregulatory framework for hull structures of oil tankers and bulkcarriers.Thisrepresentsasignificantchangetothecurrentcomplexsystemoflargelyprescriptivestatutoryinternationalandnationalregulations,classificationrulesand industry standards.
Thebasicprincipleistoestablishclear,demonstrableandverifiablegoalstotheeffectthataproperlybuilt,operatedandmaintainedshipshouldprovideminimalrisktoitscargoandcrewandtotheenvironmentforaspecifiedoperationallife.Thisgoal-basedapproachaimsatmovingtheregulatoryframeworkfromacultureofcompliance,governedbyprescriptiveRules,toacultureofbenchmarking,backedbyfunctionalrisk-basedrequirements.Itisintendedthatthosegoalsmaybeachievedbyalternativedesignsthatofferanequivalentlevelofsafety,whilepromotingnewtechnologyandgreaterinnovationwithintheshippingindustry. WithintheframeworksetattheIMO,itistheroleofIACSMemberstodevelopthespecificRulecriteriatosupportthegoals.ItisintendedthattheseRuleswillbe“common”toallIACSSocieties.
ExistingCommonRulesforhullstructuresofoiltankersandbulkcarrierswereadoptedinDecember2005forimplementationon1April2006.Thiswasanambitious
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper8
Thetraining,qualificationandmonitoringofsurveyorsandauditorsisgovernedbytherelevantIACSProceduralRequirements.
E STATUTORY CERTIFICATION
OF SHIPS
E1 Framework
TheUnitedNationsConventionontheLawoftheSea(UNCLOS)isanumbrellaconventionconcernedwithmany aspects of the sea and its uses, including the grantingofregistrationofashipbyaState.Onceashipisregistered,theflagStatehascertaindutieslaidoutinUNCLOS.Inparticular,underArticle94,theflagStatemust“effectivelyexerciseitsjurisdictionandcontrolinadministrative,technicalandsocialmattersovershipsflyingitsflag”andtake“suchmeasuresforshipsflyingitsflagasarenecessarytoensuresafetyatsea…..”
UndertheauspicesoftheIMO,InternationalConventionshavebeenagreedwhichsetoutuniformrequirements in order to facilitate the acceptance of a ship registered in one country in the waters and ports of another and in the general furtherance of safety atseaandtheprotectionoftheenvironment.Theserequirementsarecommonlyreferredtoas‘statutory’requirements.Broadly,theycoverfourdistinctareas:
1)Aspectsoftheship’sdesignanditsstructuralintegrity–loadlineandstabilityintheintactanddamagedcondition, essential propulsion, steering equipment, etc.;
2)Pollutioncontrolwithregardtonormalshipoperation;
3)Accidentprevention,includingnavigationalaidsandpollutionandfireprevention;
4)Thesituationafteranaccident(fire,flooding)includingcontainment and escape.
SomeorallofthesemayalsobecoveredinaparticularClassSociety’sRules.
SOLASChII-1,Reg3-1statesthat,inadditiontotherequirementsoftheother(SOLAS)regulations,shipsshallbedesigned,constructedandmaintainedin compliance with the structural, mechanical and electricalrequirementsofaClassificationSocietywhichisrecognisedbytheAdministrationinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofregulationXI/1(seeE2below),orwithapplicablenationalstandardsoftheAdministrationwhichprovideanequivalentlevelofsafety.
Wheretheresultoftheclassificationsurveyistakenasevidenceofcompliancewiththecorrespondingstatutoryrequirement,e.g.loadlineorsafetyconstruction(hull,machinery,boilers,electricalequipment,etc.),thissurvey
C3.4 Unified Interpretations
AsdefinedinAnnex4oftheIACSCharter,UnifiedInterpretations(UIs)areResolutionsonmattersarisingfromimplementingtherequirementsofIMOinstruments.TheyprovideuniforminterpretationsofConventionRegulationsorIMOResolutionsonthosematterswhichintheConventionarelefttothesatisfactionoftheflagAdministration or where more precise wording is found tobenecessary.
UIsarecirculatedtotheflagAdministrationsconcerned,asappropriate,andsubmittedtoIMOforinformationand any follow-up action.
UIsshallbeappliedbyMemberSocietiestoshipswhoseflagAdministrationhasnotissueddefiniteinstructionsontheinterpretationoftheRegulationsconcerned.
C3.5 Procedural Requirements
AsdefinedinAnnex4oftheIACSCharter,IACSProceduralRequirements(PRs)areResolutionsontechnical matters of procedure.
RequirementsunderthiscategoryaretobefollowedbyMembersand,forpartsofsomePRs,bytheIACSPermanentSecretariat.
PRsadoptedshallbeincorporatedinthepracticesandproceduresoftheMemberswithintheperiodsagreed.
C4 Other Publications
IACSalsoproducesGuidelinesandRecommendations,not necessarily on matters of class, on issues which IACSMembersconsideradviceorguidancemaybebeneficialtotheindustry.
D SURVEYORS
D1 Qualities and qualifications of Surveyors
Amemorandumof1834hasnotbeenbettered:
“The utmost care and discrimination have been exercised by the Committee in the selection of men of talent, integrity, and firmness as Surveyors, on whom the practical efficacy of the system and the contemplated advantages must so materially depend; the Committee have in their judgement appointed those persons only…who appeared to them to be most competent to discharge the important duties of their situations with fidelity and ability, and to ensure strict and impartial justice to all parties whose property shall come under their supervision.”
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper9
istobesubjecttothecertificationofitsqualitysystembyanindependentbodyofauditorsacceptedbytheAdministration.
A.739(18),togetherwithResolutionA.789(19),whichpresentsspecificationsonthesurveyandcertificationfunctionsofROs,providesthecriteriaandframeworkwhichaflagmustbesatisfiedismetbytheirROs.IACSMembershavebeenfoundtomeetResolutionsA.739(18)andA.789(19)byalloftheAdministrations(approximately100)thatarePartiestoSOLAS.
TheROisresponsibleandaccountabletotheflagAdministration for the work that it carries out on its behalf.Theprinciplesoftheinspectionandsurveyworkaretoaverylargeextentthesameasinrespectofclassificationsurveys,thatis,theverificationbytheROthatashipisincompliancewithapplicablerequirementsatthetimeofthesurveyorinspection.ThescopesoftheseinspectionsandsurveysarelaiddownbytherelevantnationallawsbasedonInternationalConventionstowhichtheGovernmentisasignatory,togetherwithadditionalinstructionsthatmaybeissuedbytheflagAdministration.IACSMembersgenerallydonotundertake‘statutory’workonshipsthattheydonotthemselvesclass.ThesignificantexceptionstothispolicyareInternationalSafetyManagement(ISM)CodeandInternationalShipandPortFacilitySecurity(ISPS)CodecertificationwhereitmaybeefficientforaCompanytoimplementacommonSafetyManagementSystem(SMS)orShipSecurityPlan(SSP)onafleetbasisasthatfleetmaybeclassedbymorethanoneSociety.However,systemsareinplacefortheclassingSocietytoinformtheowner,theISMcertifyingSocietyand/ortheflagAdministrationincaseswherethereisreasontodoubtthecontinuingeffectivenessoftheSMSorSSP.
isdefactogiventhestatusofastatutorysurveyonbehalfoftheflagAdministration,iftheSocietyisactingasitsrecognisedorganizationinthisrespect.
When a ship is suspended or withdrawn from class, theIACSMemberconcernednotifiestherelevantflagAdministrationandpublishestheinformatione.g.onitswebsiteandonEquasis.Asaconsequence,theflagAdministrationgenerallyinvalidatesthestatutorycertificatesconcerningconstructionandequipment.
E2 Recognised Organizations
SOLASandtheotherInternationalConventionspermittheflagAdministrationtodelegatetheinspectionandsurveyofshipstoaRecognisedOrganization(RO).ThisisinrecognitionofthefactthatmanyflagAdministrationsdonothaveadequatetechnicalexperience,manpowerorglobalcoveragetoundertakeallthenecessarystatutoryinspectionsandsurveysusingitsownstaff.ThedegreetowhichaflagStatemaychoosetodelegateauthoritytoaRO(ClassSociety)isforeachflagStatetodecide,withtheauthoritygrantedbeingclearlyidentifiedintherelevantmemorandaofunderstandingagreedbetweentheClassSocietyandtheAdministration.InmostcasestheROisempoweredtorequirerepairsorothercorrectiveactiontoashipandtowithdraworinvalidatetherelevantcertificateifthenecessaryactionisnottaken(e.g.SOLASChapterI, Reg6).
IMOResolutionA.739(18)laysdownmandatoryminimumrequirementsforROs.
Fundamentallyitrequirestheorganizationtodemonstrateitstechnicalcompetenceandtobegovernedbytheprinciplesofethicalbehaviour.TheRO
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper10
• navigationnotations;
• geographicnotations;
• additional class notations.
2.1 Class symbol
ThemainclasssymbolindicatesthecomplianceoftheshipwithspecificRulerequirementsregardingitsconstruction.
2.2 Construction mark
Theconstructionmark,whenassigned,identifiestheprocedure under which the ship and its main equipment orarrangementshavebeensurveyedforinitialassignment of the class.
2.3 Service notations
Theservicenotations,whenassigned,definethetypeand/orserviceoftheshipwhichhasbeenconsideredforitsclassification.
Ashipmaybeassignedseveraldifferentservicenotations.Insuchcase,thespecificRulerequirementsapplicabletoeachservicenotationwillhavebeencomplied with.
2.4 Navigation and operating area notations
Navigation notations
SomeClassificationSocietiesdefinelimitingareasfornavigation(e.g.coastalwaters,andshelteredwaters),and/orlimitingenvironmentalconditionsforcertaintypesof ships and marine structures.
Theassignmentofrestrictednavigationnotationsmayincludethereductionofscantlingsorspecificarrangements.
TheassignmentofanavigationnotationbyClassificationSocietiesdoesnotabsolvetheownerfromcompliancewithanyapplicableinternationaland/ornationalregulationsestablishedbytheAdministrationsforshipsoperatinginnationalwaters,oraspecificarea,oranavigationzone.
Operating or service area notations
Theoperatingareanotationspecifiestheserviceareawheretheship(e.g.dredgers,cranepontoons,porttugs)can operate as regards its assigned class.
APPENDIX 1 – THE LANGUAGE OF CLASSIFICATION AND SURVEYS
1 CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES - DEFINITION
ThefollowingdefinitionappliesinrespectofthemembershipofIACS.
AClassificationSocietyisanorganisationwhich:
(i) publishesitsownclassificationRules(includingtechnicalrequirements)inrelationtothedesign,constructionandsurveyofships,andhasthecapacityto(a)apply,(b)maintainand(c)updatethoseRulesandRegulationswithitsownresourcesonaregularbasis;
(ii) verifiescompliancewiththeseRulesduringconstructionandperiodicallyduringaclassedship’sservicelife;
(iii)publishesaregisterofclassedships;
(iv) isnotcontrolledby,anddoesnothaveinterestsin,ship-owners,shipbuildersorothersengagedcommercially in the manufacture, equipping, repair or operationofships;and
(v) isauthorisedbyaFlagAdministrationasdefinedinSOLASChapterXI-1,Regulation1andlistedaccordinglyintheIMOdatabase,GlobalIntegratedShippingInformationSystem(GISIS).
2 CLASSIFICATION NOTATIONS
ClassificationnotationsareindicativeofthespecificRulerequirementswhichhavebeenmet.AdditionalvoluntarynotationsareofferedbyindividualSocietiesandmaybeselectedbyanownerwishingtodemonstratethatthevesselconformstoaparticularstandardthatmaybeinexcessofthatrequiredforclassification.DependingontheClassificationSociety,theclassificationnotationsareassignedtotheshipaccordingtoshiptype,service,navigationand/orothercriteriawhichhavebeenprovidedbytheownerand/orbuilder,whenrequestingclassification.
ClassificationnotationsassignedtoashipareindicatedonthecertificateofclassificationaswellasintheRegisterofShipspublishedbytheSociety.Thesenotationscanbegeneralizedbythefollowingtypeswhichmaybeusedincombination:
• mainclasssymbol;
• constructionmarks;
• servicenotationswithadditionalservicefeatures,asapplicable;
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper11
3.3 Suspension of class
ClassmaybesuspendedfollowingadecisionmadebytheSocietywhenoneormoreofthefollowingoccurs:
• when a ship is not operated in compliance with the Rulerequirements;
• whenashipproceedstoseawithlessfreeboardthanthatassigned;
• whentheownerfailstorequestasurveyafterhavingdetecteddefectsordamagesaffectingtheclass;
• whenrepairs,alterationsorconversionsaffectingthe class are carried out without requesting the attendanceofasurveyor.
Inaddition,classisautomaticallysuspended:
• whentheclassrenewal/specialsurveyhasnotbeencompletedbyitsduedateorwithinthetimegrantedin special circumstances for the completion of the survey,unlesstheshipisunderattendancebytheSociety’ssurveyor(s)withaviewtocompletionpriortoresumingtrading;
• whentheannualorintermediatesurveyshavenotbeencompletedbytheendofthecorrespondingsurveytimewindows.
SuspensionofclasswithrespecttotheabovecaseswillremainineffectuntilsuchtimeastheduesurveysandanyothersurveydeemedappropriatebytheSocietyhavebeencompleted.
In addition to the circumstances for which automatic suspensionmayapply,theclassofashipwillbesubjecttosuspensionproceduresfollowingadecisionoftheSociety:
• whenarecommendation/conditionofclassisnotdealtwithwithinthetimelimitspecified,unlessitispostponedbeforetheduedatebyagreementwiththeSociety;
• whenoneormoreothersurveysarenotheldbytheirduedates-orthedatesstipulatedbytheSocietyalsotakingintoaccountanyextensionsgranted;
• when, due to the nature of reported defects, the Societyconsidersthatashipisnotentitledtoretainitsclassevenonatemporarybasis(pendingnecessaryrepairsorrenewals,etc.);
• inothercircumstanceswheretheownerfailstosubmittheshiptoasurveyinaccordancewithaspecialrequirement.
Inallcasessuspensionwillremainineffectuntilsuchtimeasmattersarerectifiedandtheclassisreinstatedorclass is withdrawn.
2.5 Additional class notations
EachoftheClassificationSocietieshasdevelopedaseriesofnotationsthatmaybegrantedtoavesseltoindicate that it is in compliance with some additional voluntarycriteriathatmaybeeitherspecifictothatvesseltypeorthatareinexcessofthestandardclassificationrequirements.
3 ASSIGNMENT, MAINTENANCE, SUSPENSION AND WITHDRAWAL OF CLASS
3.1 Assignment of class
Class is assigned to a ship upon the completion of satisfactorysurveys,heldtoverifythatthevesselisincompliancewiththerelevantRulesoftheSociety.Thisassignmentmaybegiveninthefollowingcases:
• oncompletionofthenewbuilding,aftersatisfactorysurveyshavebeenperformed;
• oncompletionofasatisfactorysurveyofanexistingship carried out in accordance with the agreement developedbytheIACSMemberSocietiesforshipstransferringclassbetweenMembers;or
• oncompletionofasatisfactoryspecificclasssurveyofanexistingshipnotclassedwithanIACSSociety,or not classed at all.
3.2 Maintenance of class
Classedshipsaresubjecttosurveysformaintenanceofclass.Thesesurveysincludetheclassrenewal(alsocalled“specialsurvey”),intermediate,annual,andbottom/dockingsurveys(eitherasurveyindrydockoranin-watersurvey)ofthehull,tailshaftsurvey,boilersurvey,machinerysurveysandsurveysforthemaintenance of additional class notations, where applicable.Suchsurveysarecarriedoutattheintervalsandundertheconditionsgivenbelow.
Thesurveysaretobecarriedoutinaccordancewiththerelevantrequirementsinordertoconfirmthatthe condition of the hull, machinery, equipment and appliancescomplywiththeapplicableRules.Itistheowner’sdutytoensurethattheship’smaintenanceiskeptatasatisfactorylevelinordertomaintaintheconditionbetweensurveys.
Theextentofanysurveydependsupontheconditionofthe ship and its equipment. In addition to the minimum requiredextentofsurveysspecifiedintheRules,shouldthesurveyorhaveadoubtastothemaintenanceorconditionoftheshiporitsequipment,orbeinformedbytheownerofanydeficiencyordamagewhichmayaffectclass,furtherexaminationandtestingmaybeconductedas considered necessary.
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper12
3.5 Notification of suspension or withdrawal
Whenclassissuspendedorwithdrawn,theSocietywillatthesametime:
• informtheowner,flagAdministrationandunderwriters(thelatterattheirrequest);
• publishtheinformationonitswebsiteandconveytheinformationtoappropriatedatabases(Equasis,etc.).
4 SURVEYS – AN OVERVIEW OF REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATION
4.1 Definitions and procedures related to classification surveys
Period of certificate of class
Theperiodofthecertificateofclassstartseitherfromthedateofinitialclassificationorfromthecrediteddateofthelastclassrenewal/specialsurvey,andexpiresattheduedateassignedforthenextclassrenewal/specialsurvey.
Theduedateistheendofthetimewindowforthatsurvey.
Anniversary date
Theanniversarydateisthedayandthemonthgiveninthecertificateofclasswhichcorrespondstotheexpirydateofthecertificate.
Survey time window
Thesurveytimewindowisthefixedperiodduringwhichtheannualandintermediatesurveysaretobecarriedout. Overdue surveys
EachperiodicalsurveyisassignedaduedatespecifiedbytherelevantRulesbywhichitistobecompleted.
Asurveybecomesoverduewhenithasnotbeencompletedbyitsduedate.Forexample,withananniversarydateof15thApril,theannualsurveycanbevalidlycarriedoutfrom16thJanuaryto15thJuly.Ifnotcompletedby15thJuly,theannualsurveybecomesoverdueandclasswillbesuspendedautomatically.
Recommendations/Conditions of Class
‘Recommendation’and‘ConditionofClass’aredifferenttermsusedbyIACSSocietiesforthesamething,i.e.requirementstotheeffectthatspecificmeasures,repairs,surveysetc.aretobecarriedoutwithinaspecifictimelimitinordertoretainclass.
DependingontheSociety’sprocedures,thesuspensionsofclasswhicharenotautomaticmaytakeeffecteitherwhentheyaredecidedbytheSocietyorfromthedatewhentheconditionsforsuspensionoccurred.Howeveroncetheconditionsforclasssuspension/withdrawalaremetandbeforeanydecisionbytheSocietycanbetaken,eitherbecausetheSocietyisnotawareofthecircumstances(surveysdates,etc.arerecordedbutnotsystematicallymonitored)orbecausethedecisionisnotyettaken,maintenanceofclasscannotgenerallybeconfirmedbytheSocietyduringthisperiod.
3.4 Withdrawal of class
TheSocietywillwithdrawtheclassofashipwhen:
• requestedbytheowner;
• theclasshasbeensuspendedformorethansixmonths;
• theshipisreportedasaconstructivetotallossandtheownerdoesnotadvisehisintentiontorepairtheshipforre-instatementofclass;
• theshipisreportedlost;
• theshipwillnottradefurtherasdeclaredbyitsowner.
Withdrawalofclasstakeseffectfromthedateonwhichthe circumstances causing such withdrawal occur or when it is decided.
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper13
surveyor(s)theshipisinageneralconditionwhichsatisfiestheRulerequirements.
Intermediate survey
Anintermediatesurveyistobecarriedoutwithinthewindowfromthreemonthsbeforethesecondtothreemonthsafterthethirdanniversarydate.
TheintermediatesurveyincludesexaminationsandchecksonthestructureasspecifiedintheRulestoverifythatthevesselisincompliancewiththeapplicableRulerequirements.TheRulecriteriabecomemorestringentwith age.
According to the type and age of the ship the examinationsofthehullmaybesupplementedbythicknessmeasurementsasspecifiedintheRulesandwheredeemednecessarybytheattendingsurveyor.
Bottom / Docking survey
Abottom/dockingsurveyistheexaminationoftheoutsideoftheship’shullandrelateditems.
Thisexaminationmaybecarriedoutwiththeshipeitherindrydock(oronaslipway)orafloat:intheformercasethesurveywillbereferredtoasdry-dockingsurvey,whileinthelattercaseasin-watersurvey.Theconditionsforacceptanceofanin-watersurveyinlieuofadry-dockingsurveywilldependonthetypeandageoftheshipandtheprevioushistory.
Theoutsideoftheship’shullandrelateditemsaretobeexaminedontwooccasionsinthefive-yearperiodofthecertificateofclasswithamaximumof36monthsbetweensurveys. Oneofthetwobottom/dockingsurveystobeperformedinthefive-yearperiodistobeconcurrentwiththeclassrenewal/specialsurvey.
ForshipssubjecttotheEnhancedSurveyProgramme(ESP)and15yearsofageandabove,theintermediatebottom/dockingsurveyistobecarriedoutinadry-dock.
Tailshaft survey
Atailshaftsurveyisthesurveyofscrewshaftsandtubeshafts(hereafterreferredtoastailshafts)andthesternbearing.
Thedifferenttypesofsurveystowhichtailshaftsmaybesubjectedandtheintervalsare:
•completesurvey;
•modifiedsurvey;
•partialsurvey.
Memoranda
Otherinformationofassistancetothesurveyorandownersmayberecordedas‘memoranda’orasimilarterm.Theymay,forexample,includenotesconcerningmaterials and other constructional information. A memorandummayalsodefineaconditionwhich,thoughdeviatingfromthetechnicalstandard,doesnotaffecttheclass(e.g.slightindentsintheshellwhichdonothaveaneffectupontheoverallstrengthofthehullorminordeficiencies,whichdonotaffecttheoperationalsafetyofthemachinery).
Inaddition,memorandacoulddefinerecurringsurveyrequirements,suchasannualsurveyofspecifiedspaces,orretrofitrequirements,whichhavethede-factoeffectofconditions of class.
Specificquestionsinrelationtothemeaningofmemoranda/recommendations/conditionsofclassaretobeaddressedtotheClassificationSocietyconcernedthough the owner of the ship.
4.2 Class surveys periodicity and scope
Class renewal survey / special survey
Classrenewalsurveys/specialsurveysarecarriedoutatfive-yearintervals.However,considerationmaybegivenbytheSociety,inexceptionalcircumstances,tograntingan extension for a maximum period of three months after the due date. In such cases the next period of class will startfromtheduedateforthepreviousclassrenewalsurveybeforetheextensionwasgranted.
Thespecialsurveymaybecommencedatthe4thannualsurveyandbeprogressedwithaviewtocompletionbythe5thanniversarydate.
Theclassrenewalsurveys/specialsurveysincludeextensiveexaminationstoverifythatthestructure,main and essential auxiliary machinery, systems and equipmentoftheshipareinaconditionwhichsatisfiestherelevantRules.TheexaminationsofthehullaregenerallysupplementedbythicknessmeasurementsandwitnessingoftestsasspecifiedintheRules,andasdeemednecessarybytheattendingsurveyor,toassessthatthestructuralconditionremainseffectiveandtohelpidentifysubstantialcorrosion,significantdeformation,fractures, damages or other structural deterioration.
Annual survey
Annualsurveysaretobecarriedoutwithinawindowfromthreemonthsbeforetothreemonthsaftereachanniversarydate.
Atthetimeofannualsurveys,theshipisgenerallyexamined.Thesurveyincludesaninspectionofthehull, equipment and machinery of the ship and some witnessing of tests, so far as is necessary and practical inordertoverifythat,intheopinionoftheattending
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper14
detachmentorfracture),orextensiveareasofwastageovertheallowablelimits,whichaffectsor,intheopinionofthesurveyor,willaffectthevessel’sstructural,watertightorweathertightintegrity,istobepromptlyandthoroughlyrepairedtherebyremovingtheneedfortheimpositionofanyassociatedconditionofclassification.Otherwise,damagesandpartialortemporaryrepairsconsideredacceptablebythesurveyorforalimitedperiodoftimearecoveredbytheissuanceofanappropriaterecommendation/conditionofclass.
Damagesorrepairsrequiredbythesurveyortobere-examinedafteracertainperiodoftimearealsocoveredbyanappropriaterecommendation/conditionofclass.
4.3 Class certificate
Issue of the certificate of classification
Acertificateofclassification,bearingtheclassnotationsassigned to the ship and an expiry date, is issued to allclassedships.Thiscertificatemayalsobeprovidedwithannexessupplyinginformationsufficientforthemanagementofthecertificate,fordeterminingtheclasssurveysdateandforimmediateassessmentofpossibleirregularities(overduerecommendations,etc.).
Aninterim/provisionalcertificateofclassificationmayserveasacertificateofclassificationincertainsituationswhendeemednecessarybytheSociety.
Validity of the certificate of classification
Acertificateofclassification,properlyendorsed,isvaliduntiltheexpirydateunlessadvisedotherwisebytheSocietyorprovidedtherearenogroundsforsuspensionor withdrawal of class.
Endorsementofthecertificateofclassification
Whenannualandintermediatesurveysaresatisfactorilycompleted,thecertificateofclassificationis:
• endorsedfortheperiodicalsurveys;
• accordingtothepracticeofsomeSocieties,endorsedaccordinglywiththerelevantentriesintheappropriateannexesattachedtothecertificateconcerningtheoutstandingrecommendations/conditionsofclass,ifany,and/orthesurveysheld.
Whereapplicable,memorandaarealsoendorsedintheappropriate annex.
4.4 Definitions and procedures related to statutory surveys and inspections
General
AnumberoftheConventionsrequireaninitialsurveybeforeavesselisputinserviceforthefirsttimeand
Tailshaft complete survey
Tailshaftsaretobesubmittedtocompleteexaminationataperiodicitybasedonthetypeofshaftanditsdesign.“Complete”meansthattheshaftisdrawnupforexaminationorthatotherequivalentmeansofexaminationareprovided.
Tailshaft modified survey
Amodifiedsurveyofthetailshaftisanexaminationwhichmaybeacceptedatalternatefive-yearlysurveysfortailshaftsprovidedthattheshaftarrangementisinaccordancewithspecificrequirements.
Tailshaft partial survey
Apartialsurveyallowsapostponementofthecompletesurvey,havingaperiodicityof5years,for2.5years.
Boiler surveys
Boilersandthermaloilheatersaretobesurveyedtwiceineveryfive-yearperiod.Theperiodicityoftheboilersurveyisnormally2.5years.
Steamboilers,superheatersandeconomisersareexaminedinternallyandexternally.Tothisend,boilersaretobedrainedandsuitablypreparedfortheexaminationofthewater-steamsideandthefireside.Wherenecessary,theexternalsurfacesaretobemadeaccessibleforinspectionbyremovalofinsulationandlining. Non-periodical surveys
Suchsurveysarecarriedoutforexample:
• toupdateclassificationdocuments(e.g.changeofowner,nameoftheship,changeofflag);
• to deal with damage or suspected damage, repairorrenewalwork,alterationsorconversion,postponementofsurveysoroutstandingrecommendations/conditionsofclass;
• AtthetimeofportStatecontrolinspections.
Intheeventofdamagewhichaffectsormayaffecttheclassoftheship,theowneristoadvisetheSocietywithout delay.
Arrangements are then made at the earliest opportunity forasurveyortoattendandascertaintheextentofthedamageanddetermineifitissuchthatthevesselnolongercomplieswiththeapplicableRulerequirements.Followingrepair,thesurveyorwillagainassessthestatusofthevesseltodetermineifithasbeenreturnedtoaconditionthatisincompliancewiththeapplicableRulerequirements.
Anydamageinassociationwithwastageovertheallowablelimits(includingbuckling,grooving,
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper15
Intermediate statutory survey
Anintermediatesurveyisaninspectionofspecifieditemsrelevanttotheparticularcertificatetoconfirmthatthey are in satisfactory condition. Depending on the certificateconcernedandtheageoftheship,thescopemayrangefromthatofanannualtotheequivalentofarenewalsurvey.
Periodical statutory survey
Periodicalsurveysgenerallytaketheplaceofrenewalsurveysforthosecertificateswhichpreviouslywererenewedafteroneortwoyears.However,inthecaseofaLoadLineCertificatewhichisissuedonbehalfof,orby,flagAdministrationsthathavenotimplementedtheharmonisedsystemofsurveyandcertification,thefive-yearrenewalsurveymaybereferredtoasthe‘periodical’survey.
4.5 Statutory certificates
Authorisation
StatutorycertificatesareissuedbytheROinaccordancewiththetermsofitsrecognitionbytheflagAdministration.VariationofthedelegationofstatutoryauthorityorcertificatesthatcanbeissuedbytheROexistsbetweenAdministrations.TheAdministrationshouldbecontactedforspecificdetailsoftheauthorization.
Issue, endorsement and withdrawal
Acertificateisissuedorendorsedaftertherelevantsurveysarepassed.Acertificatemaybeissued,validforashorttimeperiod,listingcorrectiveactiontoberectifiedforminordeficiencieswhichdonotpreventtheissuanceofacertificatetotheship.
FormostConventions,theAdministrationempowerstheROtowithdraworinvalidateacertificateiftherequiredcorrectiveactionisnottaken.
receivesitsfirstcertificate,andacertificaterenewalsurveyatone,twoorfiveyearintervalsthereafter,dependingonthecertificateandtypeofship.Inaddition,forthosecertificatesvalidformorethanoneyear,surveysatannualintervalsarerequired,oneofwhich,atapproximatelyhalfwayandtermed‘intermediate’,maybeofgreaterextentthananordinary‘annual’.The‘HarmonisedSystemofSurveyandCertification’(HSSC)implementedbymanyAdministrationsunderIMOresolutionA.997(25),asamended,bringsallSOLAS(exceptforpassengerships),MARPOLandLoadLineConventionsurveysintoafive-yearcycle.Withrespectofsafetyequipmentsurveys,HSSCusestheterm‘periodical’insteadof‘intermediate’,andforradio,‘periodical’insteadof‘annual’.Theselattertaketheplaceoftherenewalsurveysheldundertheshortercertificaterenewalcycles.
Thescopeofsurveycangenerallybeharmonizedwiththeextentsoftheclassificationsurveysdetailedaboveand,asfaraspossible,areheldconcurrentlywiththem.
ThescopeofeachstatutorysurveyorinspectionislaiddownbyIMOresolutionsandgenerallyincreaseswithage.Itistoincludesufficientlyextensiveexaminationsandcheckstoverifythatthestructure,machinery,systemsandrelevantequipmentsuchasthelifesaving,firefightingorpollutionpreventionequipmentareina satisfactory condition and in compliance with the applicablestandards.
Betweensurveys,theConventionsrequiretheflagAdministration to make it compulsory for the owner to maintain the ship in conformance with the regulations sothattheshipwillremainfittoproceedtoseawithoutdangertotheshiporpersonsonboardorunreasonablethreatofharmtothemarineenvironment. Initialstatutorysurvey
Aninitialsurveyisaninspectionofthedesignandconstructionoftherelevantstructure,machineryandequipmentoftheshiptoverifythatitcomplieswiththerequirementsoftheapplicableregulations. Renewal statutory survey
Arenewalsurveyisaninspectionofthestructure,machineryand/orequipment,asapplicable,toverifythattheirconditionisincompliancewiththerequirementsoftheregulations.Modificationstotheshiphavingabearingontheconformityofthevesseltotherequirementsaretobedeclaredbytheownerandinspected.
Annual statutory survey
Anannualsurvey,inprinciple,includesageneralinspectionoftherelevantstructureandequipmentoftheshiptoconfirmthatithasbeenmaintainedinaccordance with the regulations and is in satisfactory condition.
Classification societies – What, why and how? IACS Information paper16
APPENDIX 2
1 The Members of IACS
ThecriteriaformembershipofIACSaregivenintheIACSCharterwhichcanbefoundontheIACSwebsiteat‘IACSexplained’www.iacs.org.uk/explained/default.aspx.
The Members are:
ABS AmericanBureauofShipping
KR KoreanRegister
BV BureauVeritas
LR Lloyd’sRegister
CCS ChinaClassificationSociety
NK NipponKaijiKyokai(ClassNK)
CRS CroatianRegisterofShipping
PRS PolishRegisterofShipping
DNVGL DNVGLAS
RINA RINA
IRS IndianRegisterofShipping
RS RussianMaritimeRegisterofShipping
ThecurrentmembershipofIACS,togetherwithwebsitelinks,canbefoundontheIACSwebsiteat‘IACSexplained>Members’www.iacs.org.uk/Explained/members.aspx.
2 IACS Permanent Secretariat
4MatthewParkerStreetWestminster,LondonSW1H9NPUnitedKingdomTel:+44(0)2079760660E-mail:[email protected] Website:www.iacs.org.uk
©IACS2020subjecttothetermsandconditionsshownontheIACSwebsitewww.iacs.org.uk.
CorrAug2005,Jan2006,Feb2007,Sept2008UpdatedMarch2011.AdditionsJune2011(CRSandPRS).UpdatedJanuary2015.MergerofDNV&GL.UpdatedOctober2020.NamechangeforKR.