MARITIME
CLASSIFICATION
SOCIETIES
NAME - CHRISS AUGUSTINE JOBIN
REG.NO. - ANS21104
GROUP – 1
BATCH - BSC NAUTICAL SCIENCE (20)
INTRODUCTION
• Classification societies play a role in ensuring safety, reliability and compliance standards in the
maritime sector.
• They establish and enforce technical standards for the design, construction and maintenance of
the ships and offshore structures.
• Classification societies conduct surveys, inspections and certifications to verify that vessels meet
these standards, thereby reducing risks to crew, cargo and the environment.
• Their classification and certification services provide assurance to shipowners, operators, insurers
and regulatory authorities regarding the seaworthiness and operational integrity of maritime
assets.
ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF
CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY
The core point is that while a classification society for ships annotates the necessary
classification, it's not an official body. In consideration of this, classification societies do not
take any responsibility in case of vessels not meeting the prescribed standards, encounter an
accident.
At the same time though, the conventions of UNCLOS and SOLAS have made special
provisions to specify that in the better interests of the shipping community, vessels need to
be classed. There is a specific association of classification societies known as the IACS
(International Association of Classification Societies).
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES
• The International Associates of Classification Societies (IACS) is a global organization representing
major classification societies.
• IACS comprises of 12 member societies i.e, ABS, LR, DNV GL, BV, CCS, CRS, IRS, KR, PRS, RINA,
RS and ClassNK
• Sets technical standards and guidelines to enhance maritime safety, environmental protection and
operation efficiency.
• Collaborates with industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to develop and implement best
practices
TYPES OF CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES
MEMBER BASED CLASSSIFICATION SOCIETIES
• Owned and governed by typical shipowners, ship operators and maritime industry
stakeholders
• Examples include ABS, LR and Bureau Veritas
NON-PROFIT CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES
• Operated on a non-profit basis, reinvesting revenues into research, development and quality
assurance. Focus on promoting safety and standards rather than generating profits.
• Examples include DNV GL and ClassNK
GOVERNMENTAL CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES
• Established and operated by government agencies or authorities. Often responsible for
regulatory enforcement and oversight.
• Examples include the Indian Register of Shipping(IRS) and the China Classification Society
(CCS)
KEY CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES
Lloyd’s Register (LR)
• Founded in 1760, LR is one of the oldest and most respected classification societies
• Offers classification, certification and consultancy services across various industries, including shipping,
offshore and energy.
• Headquarters in London, United Kingdom
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
• Established in 1862, ABS is a global leader in maritime and offshore classification services.
• Provides classification, verification and certification services to enhance safety and performance.
• Headquarters in Houston, Texas, USA.
DNV GL - Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
• Formed in 2013 through the merger of DNV and GL.
• Offers classification, certification, verification and advisory services across multiple sectors, including
maritime, oil and gas, and renewable energy.
• Headquarters in Oslo, Norway and Hamburg, Germany
THANK YOU
