Class

Question 1

What is a Classification society?

Answer 1

A classification society is a non governmental organisation that determines whether a ship is fit to undertake a voyage by making sure through certification and inspection that the ship has adhered to published rules and regulations for construction, equipment and machinery.
Which will allow the vessel to be insured by hull and machinery underwriters, P & I Clubs and cargo underwriters.

Question 2

What are the responsibilities of a class society.

Answer 2

1. Outline specific standard of construction for types of vessels.
2. Publish a register of its ships
3. Provide surveyors to classify vessel, inspect at prescribed intervals, undertake damage surveys and to supervise work done to restore a damaged vessel.
4. Confirm statutory and convention compliance. I.e. Loadlines, tonnage, anchor and cable, life saving and fire appliances
5. Testing materials.
6. Research on failure of materials and equipment
7. Performance data on it vessels.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the Classification society?

Answer 3

To prove that any vessel meets minimum required standards covered by flag states and international conventions. It assists marine underwriters in deterring weather a vessel is fit to undertake a voyage.

This is done by undertaking regular surveys to ensure that minimum standards are upheld.
Flag states will delegate many of the practical functions to classification societies.

Question 4

What is a condition of class

Answer 4

Issued by a class surveyor when there is damage to machinery or hull. It allows a vessel, provided temporary arrangements are made, to sail to another port in order for repairs to be made in a given time period.

The condition of class avoids cancellation of the class certificate but If time frame provided for repairs is exceeded then Cert of Class will be cancelled.

Question 5

When is a condition of class removed?

Answer 5

When repairs have been made and inspected by a surveyor.