Classification societies – what, why and how? · PDF file4 Classification societies...

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


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


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;KoreanRegisterofShipping(KR),1960;andIndianRegisterofShipping(IRS),1975.


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


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


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


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,

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.”


governedbytheprinciplesofethicalbehaviour.TheROistobesubjecttothecertificationofitsqualitysystembyanindependentbodyofauditorsacceptedbytheAdministration.

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.

machinery,boilers,electricalequipment,etc.),thissurveyisdefactogiventhestatusofastatutorysurveyonbehalfoftheflagAdministration,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.

Fundamentallyitrequirestheorganizationtodemonstrateitstechnicalcompetenceandtobe


• 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;


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.


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.


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


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,


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.


APPENDIX 2

1 The Members of IACS

ThecriteriaformembershipofIACSaregivenintheIACSCharterwhichcanbefoundontheIACSwebsiteat‘IACSexplained’www.iacs.org.uk/explained/default.aspx.

The Members are:

ABS AmericanBureauofShipping

KR KoreanRegisterofShipping

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

36BroadwayLONDONSW1H0BHUNITEDKINGDOMTel:+44(0)2079760660Fax:+44(0)2078081100E-mail:[email protected] Website:www.iacs.org.uk

©IACS2011subjecttothetermsandconditionsshownontheIACSwebsitewww.iacs.org.uk.

CorrAug2005,Jan2006,Feb2007,Sept2008UpdatedMarch2011.AdditionsJune2011(CRSandPRS).UpdatedJanuary2015.MergerofDNV&GL.

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