Classification Societies

Question 1

Define what a Classification Society does?

Answer 1

An organisation, which develops and updates adequate published rules, regulations and standards for the safe design, construction and periodical maintenance of ships which are capable of trading internationally.

Question 2

What does IACS stand for?

Answer 2

International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)

Question 3

List some of the major classification societies

Answer 3

• American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) (New York, USA),
• Bureau Veritas (BV) (Paris, France),
• China Classification Society (CCS) (Beijing, China),
• Det Norske Veritas (DNV) (HØvik, Norway),
• Germanischer Lloyd (GL) (Hamburg, Germany),
• Korean Register of Shipping (KR) (Seoul, South Korea),
• Lloyd’s Register of Shipping (LR) (London, England),

Question 4

List the functions of a Classification Society?

Answer 4

• Survey and Classification
• Publications of registered vessel annually
• Supervision of testing anchors and chains
• Supervision of testing the place of manufacture for steel used in the construction.
• Assignment of free boards.
• Survey of refrigerating machinery
• Survey and measurement of ships to obtain their tonnage certificate.

Question 5

What is included in a Special Hull Survey?

Answer 5

• Ballast Tanks
• Fuel Tanks
• Void Spaces
• Store rooms
• Accommodation Areas
• Coffer Dams
• The Hull and Plating

Question 6

How often shall a docking survey be completed?

Answer 6

Ships under 15 years, must be twice in 5 years, no exceeding 3 years.

Ships over 15 years must be every 2 years but can be extended to 2.5 if high resistant paint is used.

Question 7

What are the typical areas for inspection regarding a docking survey?

Answer 7

• Underwater plating
• Hull fittings
• Rudders
• Propellers
• Shaft support brackets
• Stern tubes
• Openings
• Attachments
• Cathodic protection
• Bow thrusters