The construction of merchant ships is considerably influenced and regulated by a number of organizations and their various requirements. |
Classification societies, with their rules and regulations relating to classification, provide a set of standards for sound merchant ship construction.
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Classification society is a private and non profit making body. |
The classification societies operate by publishing rules and regulations relating to the structural efficiency and the reliability of propelling machinery and equipment. |
These rules are a result of years of experience, research and investigation into ship design and construction. |
They are in fact a set of standards. |
A classification society exists to classify or `arrange in order of merit' such ships as are built according to its rules or are offered for classification. |
A classed ship is therefore considered to have a particular standard of seaworthiness. |
They are authorized on behalf of government:
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All the major maritime nations have their own societies, examples include, Lloyds in the UK, and ABS in USA. |
Consultation takes place on matters of common interest through the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). |
There is no compulsion on a ship owner to have his ship classed. |
The insurance premiums depend upon the class of a ship - the higher the standard the lower the premium. |
A classed ship is shown to be of sound construction and a safe means of transport of cargo and passengers. |
In making Rules for vessels, classification societies generally have to :-
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View details about classification society from IACS website.