1. Classification Societies
Why a ship is usually classed?
A form of assurance for shippers and underwriters requested to insure a maritime risk.
Enable shippers and underwriters to distinguish good risks from bad.

2. Classification Societies
Ship are classified to ensure:
Design is to a recognised standard.
Construction is to a recognised standard.
Maintenance during its life is to a recognised standard.
Value for money.
Favorable insurance rates
Acceptable Charter arrangements.
And….in conjunction with proper care and conduct on the
part of the ship owner and operators, will provide for:

3. Classification Societies
the structural strength of (and where necessary the watertight integrity of) all essential parts of the hull and its appendages,
the safety and reliability of the propulsion and steering systems, and those other features and auxiliary systems which have been built into the ship in order to establish and maintain basic conditions on board,

4. Classification Societies (examples)
ABS- American Bureau of Shipping(AB) – USA
BV- Bureau Veritas(BV) – France
DNV- Det Norske Veritas(NV)- Norway
GL- Germanischer Lloyd (GL) – Germany
LRS – lloyds Register of Shipping (LR) – UK
NKK – Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK) – Japan
RIN – Registro Italiano Navale(RI) - Italy

5. International Association of Classification Societies(IACS)
A chartered body representing the interests of the main
classification societies.
Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas(Improvement of standards of safety)
Makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development.

6. International Association of Classification Societies(IACS)
Consultation and co-operation with national and international organizations.
Close co-operation with the global marine industries.
More than 90% of the world's cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and compliance with Rules and standards set by the ten Member Societies and two Associates of IACS
A focal point for IACS is the activities of I. M. O. where the
Association has consultative status (since 1969).
Provide handouts on IACS member list and s addresses.(word doc. In My Documents)

7. Classification Societies
The role of the society is principally that of setting and
maintaining standards
What they do
Plans’ approval
Examine the manufacture of parts
Test materials during building of hull, machinery,equipment e.g: anchors, chain cables, mooring ropes and wires, windlasses and mooring winches)
Conduct periodical surveys as per their rules

8. The 3 basic stages of Classification
Plan Approval
Surveys During Construction
Periodical Surveys After Construction

9. Process of classification
Builder submits plans for approval to owner specified class
Plans for approval as per class rules
A surveyor is in attendance during construction to inspect materials and workmanship.(based on approved plans and rules)
Upon satisfactory completion of surveys and sea trials, a certificate of class(hull and machinery), is issued and kept on board.(upon approval by Classification Committee)
Particulars of ship entered in class register and one or more character symbols assigned to it.e.g: *100A1

10. Maintenance of Class
By way of periodical visits by its Surveyors to the ship as defined in its Rules and/or Regulations in order to ascertain that the ship currently complies with those Rules and/or Regulations.
Should significant defects become apparent or damages be sustained between the relevant visits by the Surveyors, the Owner and Operator are required to inform the Society concerned without delay. Similarly any modification which would affect Class must receive prior approval by the Society.

11. Factors affecting class
A ship's class may be affected when:
Significant defects become apparent in structures, systems and equipment covered under the rules and regulations.
Damage has been sustained due to adverse weather conditions, malfunctions or human error.
Owner and operator must inform the above to the society
without delay.

12. Areas not covered by class
Classification rules and regulations do not cover:
Floatation stability
Life saving appliances.
Pollution prevention arrangements.
Personnel protection
Unless…..authority given by national administrations

13. End