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Importance of Classification Societies

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33 views7 pages

Importance of Classification Societies

Uploaded by

Manish Singh
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ROLE OF CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES

The key roles of classification societies include:

[Link] of safety of life, property and the


environment.

[Link] technical standards (rules) for


design and construction of ships.

[Link] designs against their standards.

[Link] surveys during construction to


satisfy the ship is built in accordance with the
approved design and to the requirements of
the Rules.

[Link] as a Recognised Organisation carrying


out statutory surveys & certification as
delegated by maritime administrations.

[Link] regulations are followed for in-service


inspection and periodic survey during vessel
operations.

[Link] out research and development


programmes.
[Link] international organisations such as
IMO, ISO, IACS, etc.

Applied to all stages throughout the life of


a ship

a) Feasibility stage: appropriate rule set


or assessment method selected.
b) Design stage: ship and its component
parts are assessed against the
requirements of the nominated standard
in a process referred to as design
appraisal.
c) Construction: survey to ensure that the
original design assumptions are met and
that the relevant manufacturing
standards are complied with.
d) In-service: survey to ensure changes to
the component do not compromise the
requirements of classification. Changes
result from modification, repair,
degradation
Overview of the Shipbuilding Process

Rule Development & Deployment Cycle

Certified Materials, Equipment &


Components
 Rules for construction of vessels are built on
certain assumptions about the materials from
which the vessels are constructed.
 Assurance regarding the performance of
these materials is obtained through
certification of the individual components
against material specifications.
 In addition, the operational performance of
many machinery components is assured by
certification during construction, for example
engine crankshafts, steering gear and valves.
 A mixture of specific approvals, e.g. engines,
and type approvals for repetitive components
are employed.

Usefulness of Classification Societies to


various stake holders

SHIP-OWNERS: For the ship-owners, a


classification society is possibly one of the
best technical consultancy service available.
The Society Surveyor is available whenever
there is a deficiency or breakdown and would
get the best advice as to how the ship can be
put back into service.
The modern classification rules involve
mandatory inspection of each and every part
and component of the ship, her machinery
and equipment, which automatically ensures
good upkeep and maintenance.
Importantly a ship-owner enjoys the trust and
confidence of the market as long as the ship
is classed.

UNDERWRITERS: It was because of the


underwriters that the Classification Society
was first created. The underwriters required
guidance on assessment of maritime risks.
The insurance policy in today’s market will
stand void if the vessel goes out of Class.

ADMINISTRATION: The Classification


Society is a big helping hand for the
Administration. Because of its impartial role
and total dedication to standardisation, the
Administration finds it convenient to entrust
certain statutory functions to the Society.
Most of the established maritime nations
continue to deal with Passenger Ship Safety
Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment and
Safety Radio Certificates directly, whereas
the other ones such as Safety Construction,
Load Line, IOPP, etc. are dealt with by the
Societies with the Administration having only
a supervisory role.
The biggest advantage to the Administration
(and also the ship-owner) is that the vessel
can be inspected and surveyed almost
anywhere through the global network of the
Society.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS: IMO


deals with technical aspects of maritime
matters such as safety at sea and the
protection of the maritime environment. The
major classification societies formed an
association of their own known as IACS,
which functions as an associate member of
IMO with consultative status.
Perhaps it is the most active member
amongst all the private international
organisations providing IMO with data,
information and advice with its research and
findings so vital for adoption of various safety
conventions.

TRADERS, CHARTERERS, BROKERS, ETC.:


The shipping world today deals exclusively
with classed vessels. It is so easy to find all
the particulars of a vessel from the
Classification Register.
A class record even shows major accident or
damage including any outstanding condition
of class.
The owner is more readily accessible to the
market; and the buyers, shippers, chartered
accountants, or even brokers act with
confidence and knowledge.
Classification is a central point of
convenience for all parties dealing with
shipping.
A SHIP WITHOUT CLASS

 One can hardly think of a ship without


being classed. SOLAS Chapter I requires
ships to be designed, constructed and
maintained in compliance with structural,
mechanical and electrical requirements
of a recognised classification society.
 No financial institution will ever finance
purchase of a ship that is not classed
with one of the societies.
 A ship without ‘class’ can neither be
insured nor mortgaged.
 It will be even more difficult to find crew
willing to sail on a ship which is not
classed.
 Nobody will risk giving cargo on such a
ship and the ship will hardly have any
value in charter or sale market.

Classification Societies are virtually a must.

Common questions

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Classification societies support maritime administrations by taking on statutory functions such as conducting safety construction and load line surveys, which allows administrations to focus on direct issuance of certificates like Passenger Ship Safety Certificate and Safety Radio Certificates . This delegation helps administrations leverage the impartial and standardized procedures of the societies .

Classification societies facilitate operational convenience for shipowners by offering global inspection and survey services, which ensures vessels can be assessed and certified almost anywhere . Their role as technical consultants provides shipowners with reliable advice for repairs and maintenance, ultimately ensuring the ship's smooth operation and marketability . This reduces downtime and financial losses due to technical deficiencies or non-compliance .

Classification societies enhance maritime safety by developing technical standards for ship design and construction, and conducting surveys to ensure compliance with these standards . They also provide critical consultancy services to ship-owners and act as recognized bodies for statutory surveys and certification as delegated by maritime administrations . Additionally, they support international organizations like IMO by providing data and advice necessary for adopting safety conventions .

Continuous surveys are crucial as they ensure the vessel remains compliant with safety and operational standards throughout its lifecycle. They identify and rectify any modifications, repairs, or degradations that could compromise the vessel's classification and safety . Regular inspections and surveys help maintain the structural integrity and performance of the ship, minimizing the risk of accidents and enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency .

Classification societies play a pivotal role by assisting international maritime organizations such as the IMO through their association, IACS, which provides technical data and advice crucial for safety convention adoption . As associate members with consultative status, they influence decisions and contribute to policymaking and standard-setting on a global scale .

Classification societies significantly impact the insurance industry by providing a trusted framework for assessing maritime risks. They develop standards that vessels must meet to be deemed insurable, and any vessel that falls out of class may invalidate its insurance policy . Their impartiality and dedication to standardization allow insurers to assess and underwrite maritime risks accurately, offering a reliable basis for insurance premiums and claims .

The Rule Development & Deployment Cycle is significant in ship construction as it ensures that all materials, equipment, and components meet prescribed technical standards, thus guaranteeing the operational performance and safety of ships. It involves a series of certified approvals, such as material specifications and operational performance checks during construction, like engine crankshafts and steering gear, that sustain the integrity and safety of the ship throughout its lifecycle . This process also facilitates regulatory compliance and supports stakeholders in maintaining certifications required for maritime operations .

For financial institutions, a ship not classed by any society poses severe risks as it is neither insurable nor mortgageable, which translates into a lack of collateral security . This increases the financial risk and potential loss if the investment goes bad. The inability to finance such ships limits the growth and profitability potential that classified ships provide, diminishing the attractiveness of these assets .

Engaging with non-classed vessels poses significant risks for traders and charterers as these ships are not validated against safety standards, leading to contractual, financial, and liability uncertainties. Without class records, stakeholders lack reliable information on the ship's condition, potentially exposing them to undisclosed damages or deficiencies, thus undermining trust and operational reliability . Furthermore, non-classed ships are difficult to insure and finance, limiting trade opportunities and posing additional commercial risks .

Maintaining a 'class' status is crucial as it ensures ships comply with safety and operational standards, which is required under SOLAS Chapter I . A ship without 'class' cannot be insured, mortgaged, or financed, and will face challenges in finding cargo, crew, and opportunities in the charter or sale market .

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