Classification society

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In the shipping industry, classification societies are non-governmental organizations or groups of professionals, ship surveyors and representatives of offices that promote the safety and protection of the environment of ships and offshore structures. This is achieved by setting technical rules, confirming that designs and calculations meet these rules, surveying ships and structures during the process of construction and commissioning, and periodically surveying vessels to ensure that they continue to meet the rules. The first classification society was Lloyd's Register which originated from the famous 17th century coffee house in London frequented by merchants, marine underwriters, and others, all connected with shipping.

Today there are a number of classification societies, the "big three" being Lloyd's Register, Det Norske Veritas and American Bureau of Shipping.

Classification societies employ or comprise ship surveyors, engine surveyors, steel testing surveyors, forging inspectors, and electrical engineers, usually located at ports around the world.

Marine vessels and structures are classified according to the soundness of their structure and design for the purpose of the vessel. The classification rules are designed to ensure an acceptable degree of stability, safety, environmental impact, etc.

All nations require that ships and other marine structures flying their flag meet certain standards; in most cases these standards are deemed to be met if the ship has the relevant certificate from a member of the IACS or another approved classification society.

In particular, classification societies may be authorised to inspect ships and other structures and issue certificates on behalf of the state under whose flag the ships are registered.

There are more than 50 marine classification organizations worldwide.