The classification society, which is a non-governmental organisation in the
shipping industry establishes and maintains technical standards for construction
and operation of marine vessels and offshore structures.
The primary role of the society is to classify ships and validate that their
design and calculations are in accordance with the published standards. It also
carries out periodical survey of ships to ensure that they continue to meet the
parameters of set standards. The society is also responsible for classification
of all offshore structures including platforms and submarines.
Flag states maintain a ship register in which all ships that sail under their
flag need to be registered.
Classification societies are licensed by flag states to survey and classify
ships and issue certificates on their behalf. They classify and certify marine
vessels and structures on the basis of their structure, design and safety
standards.
The primary task of classification society surveyors is to survey in order to
maintain the standards of construction and condition of ships and machinery,
which have been laid down by the society.
The secondary function of class surveyors, where their society is approved by
governments, is for their surveys to be used as a basis for the issue of
statutory certificates relating to safety at sea.
A classification society’s workforce comprises of Surveyors who are full time
employees and are generally referred to as “Exclusive” surveyors; the ones
employed on a part time basis are “Non-exclusive” surveyors. Although the
classification societies started in 1760 with captains who will examine a ship,
more specialization came and now there are in principle there three kind of
surveyors whom are mainly marine professionals’ mariners, such as a qualified
ship's deck officers, mechanical/electrical engineers, naval architects.
In most cases you will find the navigational inspectors as the flag state
inspectors and auditors.
The classification society uses the mechanical/electrical inspectors. They will
start in the engine room and will learn the hull part in their inspection
career. The hull surveyors are in a perfect world only naval architects. The
auditors in the classification society can have navigational background but
normally the surveyor with experience will become auditor. Although you will
think that every class surveyor is entitled to inspect everything, this is
however not the case.
It is the intention of this course to extend the student’s knowledge and
understanding of the role, workings and requirements of a classification society
and its interface with IMO when applying statutory regulations on behalf of flag
administrations and qualify you as an expert in this field able to deal with
port state control, flag administration and vetting officials.