International Association of Classification Societies

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The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is a gathering of ten classification socities. It was formed on September 11, 1968.

Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, IACS makes 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 ten Member Societies and one Associate of IACS.

IACS is a non-governmental organisation who is allowed to develop guidances for the International Maritime Organization(IMO). In other words, the IACS was given consultative status with IMO, and remains the only non-governmental organisation with observer status which is able to develop and apply rules. The quality of the rules is written in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

The members of IACS are: