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.

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:

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,

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

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.

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 emails addresses.(word doc. In My Documents)

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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