International Association of Classification Society - An Introduction

International Association of Classification Society.

1. TOPIC 1 (PART III) : INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES (IACS)

2. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS IACS? IACS was formed in 1968 to promote high standards in safety, pollution prevention and to liaison closely with the shipping industry and organisations. It is a non-governmental organization. IACS members class a huge number of ships around the world. Most international administrations use the IACS members rules and regulations as the basis of their fleet’s license to operate including compliance with mandatory requirements.

3. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS IACS? IACS had a vital role in the implementation of ISM, wherein the IACS developed guidelines and provided interpretations of the ISM Code. IACS also enables cooperation with the Port State Control (PSC) to ensure high quality in the maritime field. It holds a consultative status with the IMO and regularly participates in the capacity of an observer as well as an adviser to the IMO and the member states. For example: participation in the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), International Safety Management (ISM) etc.

4. INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS IACS? SOLAS makes a class society mandatory under the chapter of construction paragraph 3.1: “ships shall be designed, constructed and maintained in compliance with the structural, mechanical and electrical requirements of a classification society which is recognized by the Administration…”

5. IACS MEMBERS

6. IACS MEMBERS

7. IACS MEMBERS

8. IACS ACTIVITIES Ship Classification Services Establishes, reviews, promotes, and develops minimum technical requirements in relation to the design, construction, maintenance, and survey of ships and other marine-related facilities. The certificate issued is an important document which confirms that the ship has been built as per the classification society’s standards and that the ship adheres to the level of the quality associated with the society. To maintain its class while in service, a ship must be surveyed annually, with a major survey every 5 years. These surveys get stricter as the ship gets older. Failure to adhere to the quality standards of the classification societies renders the certificate liable to be invalid.

9. IACS ACTIVITIES Ensuring High Standards Provides a Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS) that its Members shall comply with to ensure professional integrity and maintain high professional standards. This scheme embraces management systems with respect to ship classification and statutory work carried out by members. QSCS sets monitors standards to create uniformity in the operations of the members. Compliance with the requirements of the QSCS is mandatory for membership into the IACS. The certificate of conformity to the QSCS is valid for 3 years subject to review as per surveys and monitoring.

10. IACS ACTIVITIES Publications IACS provides publication of guidelines to its members. The IACS Green Book contains IACS Resolutions and Recommendations. The Green Book is updated when an IACS new or revised Resolution or Recommendation is uploaded. The IACS Blue Book contains the IACS Green Book as well as previous revisions of IACS publications and historical data. The IACS Blue Book is updated and published once a year only.

11. References: https://www.marineinsight.com https://www.greenshiftgroup.com https://maritime-mea.com