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Classification: Who's Who of Classification Societies

A classification society (also known as ‘class’) publishes class rules and technical requirements in relation to design, construction and survey of ships. They also have the authority to apply those rules; verify compliance during construction and periodically through a ship’s life; publish a register of classed ships; and are authorised by a flag administration, as defined by SOLAS, and listed in the IMO database. Although some owners and builders find classification rules onerous, Paul Martin, principal engineer Det Norske Veritas (DNV), describes them as ‘a system for safeguarding life, property and the environment at sea.’

The societies are also often authorised to act on behalf of various flag administrators to verify that a yacht complies with any appropriate MARPOL, SOLAS, MCA and associated codes.

Class surveyors are trained and certified in accordance with programmes established by their organisations, and periodically undertake refresher and specialist courses. These surveyors are mostly qualified engineers or naval architects.

Yachts designed and built to the appropriate rules of a society apply for a Certificate of Classification from that society, which issues it upon completion of surveys

‘My job is one of verification against a set of requirements during design, construction and operation of the yacht,’ says Martin. DNV’s head offices are in Norway, but the organisation – like all classification societies – has surveyors, like Martin, stationed around the world, who work with customers to ensure compliance throughout the lifetime of the classified vessel. Yachts designed and built to the appropriate rules of a society apply for a Certificate of Classification from that society, which issues it upon completion of surveys.

Yachts holding such a certificate should not be construed as having a warranty of safety, fitness for purpose or seaworthiness. The certificate just shows that the yacht was constructed according to the societies’ rules. However, maintaining a yacht ‘in-class’ reduces its insurance premium and increases its resale value.

As independent, self-regulating bodies, classification societies have no commercial interest in design, building, ownership, operation, management, maintenance, repairs, insurance or chartering.

Classification society powers

A classification society may assign service notations and some societies define limiting areas for navigation (i.e. coastal waters).

Class may be suspended when:

• The ship is not operating according to its rule requirements;
• If it goes to sea with less freeboard than assigned (that’s why load line marks are painted on each hull);
• When the owner fails to request a survey after damage;
• When a survey hasn’t been completed by its due date; or
• When repairs, alterations or conversions affecting class are carried out without requesting a surveyor.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), based in London, represents ten of the most famous societies, including Lloyd’s Register (LR), Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Bureau Veritas (BV), Registro Italiano Navale (RINA), and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

The IACS was given consultative status with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and remains the only non-governmental organisation with observer status which is able to develop and apply rules.

The Societies

Lloyd’s register of shipping.

Also known as Lloyd’s Rules (LR), Lloyd’s Register was the first classification society to be created, and one of the first to take an interest specifically in the classification of yachts.

It is not related to the insurance underwriters Lloyd’s of London. Lloyd’s Rules for ships derived from principles of naval architecture and marine engineering, and govern safety and operation standards.

Lloyd’s Rules govern many topics, including: Vessel construction materials, ship structural requirements and minimum scantlings by type, operation and maintenance of main and auxiliary machinery and operation and maintenance of emergency and control systems.

Det Norske Veritas originated with Norwegian insurance societies in the late 1850s and has developed rules and standards for technical requirements and acceptance criteria for ships, high-speed light craft, naval surface craft and offshore units, and was instrumental in developing the new UAE yacht registration code.

Registro Italiano Navale

The Italian classification society RINA is a private body founded in Genova in 1861 for the maritime transport sector. Specialists in cruise ships and yachts, about 25 per cent of the yachts currently in construction are on RINA’s books. More than 980 pleasure craft are classed with RINA, amounting to about 160,000GT. It is not related to the Royal Institute of Naval Architects in the UK (also known as RINA).

Germanischer Lloyd

Germanischer Lloyd (GL) was formed in 1867. It is not related to Lloyd’s Register of Shipping. GL develops state-of-the-art rules, procedures and guidance for ship owners, ship yards and the maritime supply industry in order to offer commercially sound answers, putting particular emphasis on efficiency and environmental issues. It executes plan certifications as well as construction certification.

Bureau Veritas (BV)

Bureau Veritas assesses ships for conformity with specific sets of rules, mainly determining structural soundness and reliability of machinery on-board. BV also provides ship and marine equipment certification on behalf of flag administrations.

American Bureau of Shipping

ABS was founded in 1862, and is based in Houston, Texas, with affiliates in 70 countries. ABS rules address many of the standards relating to overall strength, stability, machinery, safety equipment and pollution. Auditors specialise in management and security systems, particularly those conforming to the ISM and ISPS Codes.

Smaller registries

Lesser used registries are:

• Chinese Classification Society (CCS)
• Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
• Korean Register of Shipping (KR)
• Nippon Kaiji Nyoki (NK)
• Polish Register of Shipping (PRS), and
• Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) Originally published: Boat International 287 ( May 2010 )

Bugsy Gedlek

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Top 10 classification societies in the world.

Ship Classification Societies set the technical and operational standards for different kinds of ships, carriers and offshore structures concerning their design, construction, surveying and testing, after which the vessels are given a class certificate.

They are of immense importance for the maritime industry since they offer yardsticks for naval safety regulations and comparison of marine structures based on their respected and technologically advanced features, aiding in tracking the technological innovations in the maritime sector. Classification societies also help determine whether ecological and environmental considerations have been considered and reflected in the ship’s essential features.

Ship Classification is an essential requirement, as it offers information on the structure’s functions, such as the propulsion or steering systems and their reliability for facilitating maritime services on board. If a vessel is built upon the rules of classification societies, that vessel must have a class certificate. However, if ships are constructed according to the standards of the flag nation, then a certificate of a class is not a requirement.

In this article, let us look at some of the world’s biggest and most prominent classification societies.

Table of Contents

1. DNV- Det Norske Veritas- The biggest classification society

Det Norske Veritas, earlier known as the DNV GL, is the largest classification society in the world. It was founded in 2013 after two prominent classification societies, namely the Det Norske Veritas, based in Norway and the Germanischer Lloyd, headquartered in Germany, were merged into one entity. In 2021, DNV GL shed its last name and was renamed DNV while it continued with its older organisational and functional structure. It has set specific standards for ships and offshore vessels known as class rules.

DNV functions in more than 100 nations, employing more than 13,000 people from different cultures and nationalities and has more than 350 administrative offices spread across the globe. This organisation offers various services to numerous industries apart from the maritime sector. It has a prominent presence in oil and natural gas, innovations and research developments in renewable energy systems, modern electricity solutions, and the health sector.

This classification society offers services to more than 14,000 vessels and offshore structures worth 265 million tonnes, representing 21% of the global market share. The organisation’s history can be traced to as early as 1864, when it was founded in Oslo, Norway, to check the operating conditions of Norwegian commercial ships. Since then, it has grown significantly by providing testing, class certification of vessels, offshore units, and technical services.

2. Class NK or Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

Founded in 1899, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai is a classification society in the shipping industry, also popularly known as ClassNK or just NK. It is a non-profitable and non-governmental body that aims to secure human life and property in the oceans and safeguard the well-being of the marine ecosystem.

It is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with numerous offices situated in big cities in Japan and across the world. According to reports, in December 2021, NK possessed 9,124 vessels amounting to more than 267 million gross tonnes underclass, representative of 20% of the global merchant ships presently categorised underclass.

It has a global presence through an expansive network of surveying officials working in shipbuilding and repair units at all major port facilities. Hence, the societies’ services are available in all major ports. The community has around 130 administrative offices that conduct surveys to oversee compliance with society’s rules by all ships and offshore units. Structural features such as hull type, propulsion and electric functions, and nautical gear come under its regulations.

ClassNK is authorised by more than 100 nations, offers numerous services to the maritime sector, including environmental and safety systems, and undertakes technical and research programmes. It also operates in other spheres and provides services to diverse clients, including administrations, technical operations for offshore units, engineering solutions etc.

3. American Bureau of Shipping

Formed in 1862, the American Bureau Of Shipping, also called ABS in the shipping industry, is a classification society based in America. It outlines its aims to safeguard human lives and protect property and marine and coastal environments. For this purpose, society develops and sets specific standards regarding the ships’ and offshore units’ design, building and functional maintenance.

ABS lays down its technical and operational framework, known as the ‘ABS Regulations and Guidelines,’ It is based on these rules that various marine vessels and offshore structures are assessed and classed accordingly.

The primary business services provided by ABS include the worldwide classification of marine ships, offshore vessels and oil and gas sectors. As recorded in 2020, it emerged as the second biggest classification organisation possessing a vessel fleet of more than 12,000 ships and offshore structures operating in the commercial maritime sector.

4. Lloyd’s Register

Llyod’s Register, or LR, is a classification society that offers business and other technical services to the marine industry. It was established in 1760 and is a holding of Lloyd’s register foundation, a global and independent charity organisation based in the UK that aims to protect life and property on land, sea and air through its extensive research and innovative global technologies in spheres of science, aeronautics and engineering.

In the marine sector, the organisation aims to offer long-lasting services for managing the client’s ships and offshore structures to maximise productivity and eliminate redundancy while keeping maritime safety issues and marine environmental regulations at the forefront. Also, the organisation has a global presence through its international staff that assists client groups in identifying operational risks by conducting surveys.

It has branch offices in more than 182 nations and assists clients in building and operating their maritime assets while ensuring maximum technological competitiveness and adherence to marine safety and effectiveness through its classification criteria and operational rules.

5. Bureau Veritas

is one of the leading classification societies in the world and a founding member of the International Association of Classification Societies. It was established in 1828 in Antwerp, Belgium, to serve the maritime sector; however, it has expanded its functioning to laboratory testing, inspection and certification. Today the society is based in Paris, France.

The Society has been operational for 190 years, has 2650 marine and offshore experts and serves about 140 countries through its 550 offices. There are more than 11,500 ships in the BV-classed fleet, 180 survey stations, 19 local plan approval offices and 6 marine operation centres.

It strives to provide its customers with the support, expertise and knowledge they need to manage and operate their assets efficiently while upholding environmental protection and social responsibility. It lists specific rules for designing and building vessels ranging from different kinds of commercial ships, passenger vessels, workships etc.

Many services are offered, such as the plan approval of the new ship design, technical surveys at the shipyards etc. The experts also directly evaluate the quality of materials and other equipment. They also oversee the ship’s sea trials to ensure that it complies with the designated classification rules of the society. Bureau Veritas regularly updates its rules to support safety and innovation in the maritime industry.

6. China Classification Society

Formed in 1956, the China Classification Society is a non-profit organisation based in Beijing, China. The primary services offered by the society in the marine industry include conducting surveys for classificatory purposes of ships and offshore assets. It also provides services to the Chinese administration and governments of other nations and aims to offer classification services and technical expertise by developing the latest technologies.

This society is authorised by 58 flagged countries and has a global presence through its branch offices established in more than 129 nations. Apart from providing services to the shipping sector, it also operates in the financial industry, engages in research and technological development regarding marine resources, supervises business projects for clients, renewable energy and reduction of carbon emissions. It occasionally advises the Chinese government on formulating maritime trade policies and constantly expands its scope in new sectors.

7. Korean Register or KR

The Korean Register is a classification society formed in 1960 and is headquartered in Busan, South Korea. It is a non-profitable enterprise that outlines its working agenda as ensuring maritime safety and preserving the marine ecosystem through developing green technologies in the shipbuilding industry.

KR is a part of the International Association of Classification Societies, possessing a fleet comprising more than 2,840 vessels, amounting to 60 million gross registered tonnages. It is authorised by over 65 flag administrations to conduct classification procedures for their ships and offshore structures.

Apart from providing services in Korea, the society has 68 administrative offices worldwide, technical operations in more than 100 nations, and all major port facilities. While it offers classificatory services, it has a significant presence in the maritime research sector to outline more relevant classificatory regulations and meet the new challenges of the marine industry.

RINA is a classification society formed in 1861 based in Genoa, Italy. It is among the world’s oldest organisations offering ship classification, certification, maintenance and technical services, which provide technological aid to clients in designing, building, managing and surveying ships, cruises, yachts and offshore structures. It outlines its objective to bring significant advancement in the commercial maritime industry by assisting clients to reach more excellent operational standards regarding the safety and productivity of assets.

It has about 200 administrative offices operational in 70 nations and a workforce of 4000 experts. RINA has widened its scope of operations to include other sectors, such as the industrial, power and electricity sectors. It focuses on offering green and environmentally sustainable solutions to its clients.

In the marine sector, RINA propagates sustainable technologies focussed on reduced carbon emissions, as reflected in the society’s classification rules. Lastly, the community has been authorised by 116 flag administrations to conduct surveys in their territories.

9. Russian Maritime Register of Shipping or RS

This classification society is linked with ice ships and deals with icebreaking and resistant technologies in the maritime sector. It was formed in 1913 and is authorised by 69 flag administrations. It has been an active part of the International Association of Classification Societies since 1969.

Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia, it employs around 1500 officials in more than 100 branch offices worldwide, offering its clients classification services. The society outlines its objective of ensuring the best safety and operational standards at sea and also lays down rules to reduce marine pollution. More than 6000 vessels are certified by this society belonging to 40 different flag nations.

10. Indian Register of Shipping

Indian Register of Shipping, also known as IRClass, is a classification society of international repute and recognition. It is a non-profit and independent organisation formed in 1975 in India and became a part of the International Association of Classification Societies and Croatia’s and Poland’s classification societies.

IRClass offers classification services for marine vessels and offshore structures, enforcing high-class standards and yardsticks for building and maintaining ships and other shipping machinery. It also provides services to the energy sector and the engineering industry.

The Society assists the government of India and offers class certificates to the Indian flagship vessels. It has 25 administrative offices spread across Indian coastal cities to provide readily surveying and inspection facilities to all major ports in India. The Society also has many offices in other countries such as Bangladesh, Thailand, South Korea, China, the United States, Britain etc.

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• The Importance of Classification Societies in the Maritime Industry
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About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

Read More Articles By This Author >

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Class Notations on Yachts – Classification Guide

9 December 2016

INTRODUCTION TO YACHTS CLASSES

Classification.

Rules are developed to establish standards for the structural strength of the large yacht’s hull and its appendages, and the suitability of the propulsion and steering systems, power generation and those other features and auxiliary systems which have been built into the ship to assist in its operation, and even pollution protection systems. A yacht may be maintained in class provided that, in the opinion of the Society concerned, it remains in compliance with the relevant Rules, as ascertained by a periodic or non-periodic survey(s). Today a vessel either meets the relevant Class Society’s Rules or it does not. As a consequence, it is either “in” or “out” of “Class”.

In summary, Class Notations on Yachts will tell you a lot about the building quality and condition of each vessel and its components on an annual basis, according to the excellence of its construction and its adjudged continuing soundness. A yacht that has been designed and built to the appropriate Rules of a Society may apply for a Certificate of Class from that Society or for a periodical survey (generally required every 5 years) meant for the Renewal of Class Certificate . Class Societies have often developed two separate sets of Rules for Commercial and Private Yachts . They can be applied to New Construction as well as Existing Yachts .

Classification Societies

Classification Societies play a fundamental role in today’s marine industry. A Society will act on behalf of ship-owners and builders to ensure high build quality and the safety of a ship’s main structural parts . Classification also provides a point of reference with regard to those who were involved in the supply chain including builders, charterers and insurers.

As an independent, self-regulating, externally audited, body, a Classification Society has no commercial interests related to ship design, shipbuilding, ship ownership, ship operation, ship management, ship maintenance or repairs, insurance, or chartering.

The process begins with the design and construction phases, focussing on the implementation and manufacture of key components as well as technical specifications. The standards which must be adhered to are dictated by the regulations of the chosen society and are published as rules, evolving continuously to incorporate new technologies and client requests via the advice of highly competent engineers and architects.

All Classification Societies waive liability for future faults as a surveyor can only record a vessel’s quality at the time of inspection; it is then the responsibility of the yacht owner to maintain the vessel and inform the society in the event of damage or structural alteration. Although the surveys are thorough, they do not cover all aspects of a ship’s build and operating service. This can include crew qualifications, navigational aids and manoeuvrability.

Classification Societies are often simply referred to as “Class Societies” or just “Class”. There are currently 13 members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) , each with a unique set of rules, classification layouts and notations. Five of the biggest Classification Societies are listed below, along with their identifying signature, to denote a ship constructed under special survey in compliance with the Society’s rules, suitable for unrestricted sea-going service:

The marks following the Society’s standard signature are not interchangeable between organizations, meaning each letter or number will represent a different characteristic for each society. Each mark can be broken down to highlight a yacht’s capabilities, equipment or restrictions.

Each of the Classification Societies has developed a series of notations that may be granted to a vessel to indicate that it is in compliance with some additional voluntary criteria that may be either specific to that vessel type or that are in excess of the standard classification requirements.

The Classification of a yacht does not absolve the Interested Party from compliance with any requirements issued by Administrations and any other applicable international and national regulations for the safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment such as SOLAS, ILLC, MARPOL, ILO or IMO.

Smaller vessels are categorized differently, adhering to different requirements and statutory regulations. With a heavier focus on passenger numbers and distance of operation from shore, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) outlines guidance for UK vessels (up to 24 meters in length) which are used for charter or commercial use.

As RINA is today the most reputed Classification Society in the Mediterranean and a leader in the yachting certification business, developing and offering services of ships classification, certification, verification of conformity, inspection, and testing, we will hereby provide you with a summary of their more common Class Notations on Yachts , this will be helpful to identify these most peculiar symbols :

CLASS NOTATIONS – RINA

Main class symbol.

The main class symbol C is assigned to ships built in accordance with the requirements of the Rules or other rules recognized as equivalent and maintained in a condition considered satisfactory by the Society. The period of class (or interval between class renewal surveys) assigned to a ship is a maximum of 5 years.

Except for special cases, a class is assigned to a ship only when the hull, propulsion and auxiliary machinery installations, and equipment providing essential services have all been reviewed in relation to the requirements of RINA’s Rules.

With the 5 year class period is to be understood as being the highest class granted by the Society.

Construction Marks

The construction mark identifies the procedure under which the yacht and its main equipment or arrangements have been surveyed for the initial assignment of the Class.

Construction marks defined below are assigned separately to the hull of the yacht and its appendages, to the machinery installation.

The construction mark is placed before the symbol HULL for the hull, before the symbol MACH for the machinery installations, and before the additional Class Notation granted, when such a notation is eligible for a construction mark.

When the same construction mark is assigned to both hull and machinery, the construction mark is assigned globally to the ship without indication HULL and MACH after the main class symbol.

Hull Construction Mark (HULL)

• Construction mark ✠ is assigned to the hull when it has been surveyed by RINA during its construction in compliance with the new building procedure.
• Construction mark ✠ is assigned to the hull when it was built under the survey of another Society.
• Construction mark ● is assigned to the hull in all cases other than those listed above.

Machinery Construction Mark (MACH)

• The construction mark ✠ is assigned when the propelling and auxiliary machinery has been designed, constructed, certified, installed and tested in accordance with RINA Rules.
• The construction mark ✠ is assigned when the propelling and auxiliary machinery has been designed, constructed and certified in accordance with the rules of another society and installed and tested under the survey of RINA.
• Construction mark ● is assigned in all cases other than those listed above.

Navigation and Operating Notations

The navigation notation UNRESTRICTED NAVIGATION is assigned to a ship intended to operate in any area and any period of the year.

Restricted operating area notations are optional and will be marked accordingly like, for example, on a specified operating area or operation service within “x” miles from shore.

Additional Class Notations

An additional Class Notation expresses the classification of additional equipment or specific arrangement, which has been requested by the Interested Party. The assignment of such an additional Class Notation is subject to the compliance with additional rule requirements.

Some additional Class Notations, due to the importance of relevant equipment or arrangements, are assigned a construction mark. This is indicated in the definition of the relevant additional Class Notations. Class Notations which may be assigned to a ship are listed according to the category to which they belong:

Automated Machinery Systems (AUT)

AUT notations are relevant to automated machinery systems installed onboard ships.

Automated machinery systems (AUT – UMS (Y))

The additional Class Notation AUT-UMS (Y) may be assigned to yachts that are fitted with automated installations enabling machinery spaces to remain periodically unattended in all sailing conditions including manoeuvring.

Integrated Ship Systems (SYS)

SYS notations are relevant to the operation of integrated systems regarding navigation, machinery, communication and specific cargo, as applicable.

Centralised Navigation Equipment (SYS-NEQ)

The additional Class Notation SYS-NEQ is assigned to yachts which are fitted with a centralized navigation control system so laid out and arranged that it enables normal navigation and manoeuvring operation of the ship by two persons in cooperation.

Centralised Navigation Equipment (SYS-NEQ-1)

The additional Class Notation SYS-NEQ-1 is assigned when, in addition to the above, the installation is so arranged that the navigation and manoeuvring of the yacht can be operated under normal conditions by one person, for a periodical one-man watch. This notation includes specific requirements for the prevention of accidents caused by the operator’s unfitness.

Integrated Bridge System (SYS-IBS)

The additional Class Notation SYS-IBS is assigned to yachts which are fitted with an integrated bridge system which allows simplified and centralized bridge operation of all main functions of navigation manoeuvring and communication, as well as monitoring from the bridge of other functions related to specific cargoes and pollution; for passenger ships, heating, ventilation and air conditioning are also included in the monitored functions

Communication System (SYS-COM)

The additional Class Notation SYS-COM is assigned to yachts which are fitted with a local area network including the alarm, monitoring and control systems and computers used for management operations and external communication devices for reporting ashore navigation, maintenance and operational information.

Damage Stability (DMS)

The additional Class Notation DMS may be assigned to yachts complying with the damage stability requirements.

STAR Notation

General STAR is a System of Trace and Analysis of Records integrating rational analysis with data and records from ship-in-service concerning planned inspection and ship maintenance.

The additional Class Notation STAR-HULL is assigned to ships on which an Inspection and Maintenance Plan (IMP) for the hull is implemented.

The notation may be completed by the suffix NB when a structural tridimensional analysis has been performed for the hull structures, at the new building stage. The suffix NB is removed when the ship enters the STAR-HULL survey program through the implementation of the Inspection and Maintenance Plan (IMP).

The additional Class Notation STAR-MACH is assigned to yachts on which an Inspection and Maintenance Plan (IMP) for the machinery is implemented. This plan is based on a risk analysis review of the installation.

STAR Notation (STAR)

When yachts are granted both STAR-HULL and STAR-MACH, the two separate notations are superseded by the cumulative additional Class Notation STAR.

Crew Accommodation and Recreational Facilities (MLCDESIGN)

According to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 Notation:

The additional Class Notation MLCDESIGN is assigned to yachts having crew accommodation and recreational facilities complying with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC).

GREEN PLUS Notation (Eco-Friendly Yachts)

Issued in 2008 and updated yearly, the GREEN PLUS additional Class Notation has been revised in 2012 to cover new issues for seagoing ships and ships operated at a fixed location. The additional Class Notation GREEN PLUS is assigned to Eco-Friendly yachts compliant with the Society’s environmental protection framework of airborne gases, spillage/leakage of substances, oil, sewage, greywater, garbage disposal and noise mitigation systems to prevent pollution.

Safety Class Notation EFP (Bureau Veritas)

The following additional Class Notations are assigned to yachts complying with the requirements of this Section:

• EFP-A : for yachts having Enhanced Fire Safety Protection in accommodation spaces,
• EFP-M : for yachts having Enhanced Fire Safety Protection in machinery spaces,
• EFP-C : for yachts having Enhanced Fire Safety Protection in cargo areas,
• EFP-AMC : for yachts complying with all the requirements of this Section.

For more information on Class Notations on Yachts – Classification of Yachts , please feel free to contact Allied Yachting .

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Yacht classifications, also referred to as classification societies or class societies the that rules are an integral element of owning a yacht and an important part of maritime safety. These classifications dictate the design, construction and ongoing maintenance of large commercial vessels and superyachts.

The classifications provide highly detailed and technical standards which cover the yacht’s hull, its engines, and key safety systems. Naturally technology is constantly advancing and so new safety features and procedures are frequently evolving to cater for this.

Standard Yacht Types

Yachts are typically segmented based on overall length and how many passengers they can accommodate. The standard yacht classification types are large yachts, sailing yachts, commercial yachts and private yachts.

Commercial yachts are those yachts which engage in commercial activities, i.e charter yachts. These yachts do not transport or carry any cargo and can carry no more than 12 passengers when underway. In contrast, private yachts are typical pleasure vessels used solely for recreational or leisure purposes.

Classification society

Classification societies are organizations which ‘set the rules’ that govern the construction, maintenance, and operation of yachts and vessels. Currently, there are a total of 12 members of the International Association of Classification Societies, of which the main societies involved with yachting are::

• ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)
• Bureau Veritas
• Lloyds Register
• RINA (Royal Institution of Naval Architects)

Classification societies were first started when insurance underwriters Lloyds of London set standards for the ships that they would ensure.

What is a flag state?

A vessel’s flag state is the jurisdiction or nationality under whose laws the vessel is registered or licensed.

The flag state has the authority and the responsibility to create regulations for vessels registered under its flag. These typically involve those relating to the inspection, certification, and issuance of safety and pollution prevention documents for the vessel.

Different flag states may perform inspections on the safety aspects of yachts using their own inspectors or use classification societies or other recognised organization to perform these inspections.

I have written a separate blog post which goes into further detail on Flag States and the importance of choosing the right flag for your yacht.

What is the classification process?

The first step of classification involves the assessment of a yachts design and regular inspections during the construction or conversion of a yacht. Once it is confirmed that all standards have been met, a certificate of classification is issued.

The certificate details the standard met, the intended use for the vessel, and whether the vessel should be used only in sheltered waters. The certificate is aevidence evidence that the yacht has been built too and meets industry standards.

In order to maintain classification regular surveys of the yacht are required. These surveys typically take place every 5 years. These surveys assess things such as the thickness of the hull, possible fractures, and other potential damage. They also consider the condition of electrical systems, machinery and equipment.

Mandatory Classification Certificates

There are a variety of different classification certificates. The number and type of mandatory certificates for a given yacht will depend on its size.

International Tonnage Certificate

This expresses the internal volumes of the yacht in gross tonnes. Unlike displacement tonnage, this does not quantify the weight of a vessel.

Large Yacht Code Certificate

This certificate covers navigational and signaling equipment, life saving appliances, fire protection, means of escape, and manning and crew accommodation. `

Class Certificate

This mainly deals with the yacht’s hull, machinery, electrical equipment, and outfitting.

International load line certificate

This certificate covers the weather tightness of the yacht

Safety Radio Certificate

This certificate only applies if the yacht’s gross tonnage exceeds 300GT. It covers radio communication and distress installations.

MARPOL Annex I Certificate

This certificate only applies if gross tonnage exceeds 400GT and covers the disposal of oil and bilge water

MARPOL Annex IV Certificate

This certificate only applies if gross tonnage exceeds 400GT or if the yacht is certified to carry more than 15 people and covers the disposal of sewage from ships

Marpol Annex V

This certificate covers the disposal of rubbish and applies to all ships

Marpol Annex VI

This is applicable if gross tonnage exceeds 400GT as well as to all main and auxiliary engines with a power exceeding 130kW. It concerns the emissions from mains and auxiliary engines (NOx and SOx). Safety Construction and Safety Equipment

These cover machinery, electrical parts, life saving and navigational equipment for yachts with a gross tonnage above 500GT. International Safety Management Certificate

This only applies to yachts with a gross tonnage greater than 500GT. A certified management company is requested to carry out this service, preparing operational manuals, procedures for drills, and taking care of the maintenance of the yacht and its installations. International Ship and Port Security Certificate

This only applies to yachts and ships with a gross tonnage greater than 500GT and covers the anti piracy certification. A certified management company is requested to provide ashore assistance and establish onboard procedures and operational manuals.

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Press release

Classification societies join forces to form Yacht Safety and Environmental Consortium

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Collaboration marks a significant milestone in the yacht industry's journey towards a safer and more sustainable future.

Leading global classification societies Lloyd's Register (LR), RINA, DNV, Bureau Veritas (BV) and ABS,  announce the establishment of the Yacht Safety and Environmental Consortium (YSEC) at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024. The new consortium is committed to driving forward the safety and environmental performance of yachts, developing and promoting best practices in the industry. The yacht sector has a considerable need for a unified consortium of class societies, as yachts are not covered by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) in the same way other vessels are. The consortium aims to focus on safety and environmentally conscious behavior of commercial and pleasure yachts of over 24 meters in length. The consortium will utilize the collective expertise of its members to support the yachting industry tackling challenges during yacht design and operation by promoting best practices in safety and sustainability, to providing guidance on industry standards and fostering collaboration. By leveraging the collective expertise and experience of LR, RINA, DNV and BV, the consortium will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of yacht safety and environmental performance through increased collaboration. The group will appoint a Chair and Vice Chair that will serve a term of two years rotating through the YSEC members.  The consortium is already collaborating on various environmental indices and guidelines for tonnage calculations and load line assignment. Engel-Jan de Boer, Global Yacht Segment Director, Lloyd’s Register, said: "LR is proud to work with our class peers to establish the Yacht Safety and Environmental Consortium. The collaboration is a shared vision that will enable the industry to address safety and environmental challenges more effectively. By working together, we can set new benchmarks and ensure best practice across the industry." Fiorenzo Spadoni, North Europe Marine Senior Director at RINA, said: “The establishment of the YSEC marks a pivotal milestone for the superyacht industry. Promoting safety at sea and protecting the environment are at the heart of our daily operations. These must not be areas of potential misalignment among key stakeholders. A collaborative approach, where the sum is greater than the individual contributions, is the way forward. We are proud to be part of the initial group that has championed the inception of this consortium and remain optimistic about the future of the industry.” Martin Richter, Ship Type Expert Yachts, DNV Maritime, said:  "Collaborating on initiatives that promote safety and protect the environment is crucial to achieving the highest industry standards. We are pleased to contribute our expertise as one of the founding members of the YSEC. We believe that a unified approach is essential for providing greater clarity and consistency within the yachting industry."

Global Market Leader - Passenger Ships & Ferries

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore

BV Marine & Offshore is committed to advancing safety and sustainability in the yacht industry through our technical expertise, innovative notations, and global network. Our collaboration in this consortium will drive further progress in sector standards.

Dubravka Zaja, Shiptype Manager Yachts (The Netherlands) at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, added: “By leveraging the combined strengths, we are well-positioned to advise on operational practices and contribute to a more sustainable maritime future.” Daniele Bottino, ABS Manager, Regional Business Development, said: “We have been working on this project for more than a year, so it is great to see it launched and begin its important work.  By collaborating with specialists from across the industry we can work together to develop innovative and practical solutions to yachts’ sustainability challenges with a focus on advancing safety.”

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Yacht Classifications

• By Dudley Dawson
• Updated: July 17, 2009

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Let’s take a peek into the dark back corner of a London pub a couple hundred years ago, when Britain was the unquestioned ruler of the sea, as a group of Lloyd’s of London insurance underwriters licked their financial wounds from the latest loss of a cargo ship to Davy Jones’s locker. They’d had enough, and proposed to form an independent society to make ships safer by developing standards for construction, operation, and maintenance. Thus was born Lloyd’s Register of Shipping, no longer affiliated with Lloyd’s of London, but still the granddaddy of maritime classification societies.

The concept was so successful in improving safety and cutting losses that spinoffs and imitators soon appeared in other seagoing nations. There are now ten full members and one associate member of the International Association of Classification Societies ( www.iacs.org.uk ). Not all of them class yachts, and of those who do, not all class smaller yachts. The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), for instance, does not class yachts under 24 meters, or about 79 feet, in overall length.

Each society also has different sets of rules and guides, several of which will be applicable to any given yacht. While national codes, such as the U.S. Coast Guard regulations, and international treaties, such as SOLAS, are mandatory, classification is in most cases voluntary. A shipowner or yachtowner elects to have his vessel classed in order to better assure a certain level of sound design and construction, and consequently, to reduce insurance premiums and losses.

Although there are differences in the details, the societies have much in common. Each issues written rulebooks and guides for use by designers, reviews and approves the vessel plans in advance of construction, and employs dedicated surveyors to assure that the vessel is built in accordance with the plans. There are also periodic inspections by this same corps of surveyors throughout the vessel’s service life to check that it is being maintained to the required standards.

The voluntary nature of classification creates a number of possibilities for a yacht owner. He can pick and choose from the several classification societies that cater to yachts. For instance, an American owner having a fast yacht built in Holland could choose to have it classed by the Norwegian society, DNV (Det Norske Veritas). This is where those detail differences come in, as some designers consider the DNV construction rules for high-speed vessels to be more realistic than those drafted by some other societies. Such shopping for classification is commonplace, and that’s why you’ll find surveyors for each society in each shipbuilding nation. In an Italian yard, for instance, you might find an ABS surveyor working on one vessel and a Lloyd’s inspector working on another, alongside the first. In some cases, where the surveyors are independent, or “non-exclusive” in society parlance, you might find him wearing a DNV jumpsuit one day and ABS coveralls the next.

In addition to choosing his classification society, an owner can choose the level of involvement he wants with classification. Full classification means plan approval before construction, inspection and approval of both construction and installed equipment (anchors, engines, generators, etc.), and periodic inspections and required maintenance after delivery. An owner can also add various options, including most recently, an environmentally based endorsement of the yacht as “green.”

All of this comes at a price, of course, both in meeting the initial requirements and in continuing costs. Some owners view any financial outlay as justified in protecting their vessel and those aboard; others elect to have the yacht designed and built to class, and then drop the class designation when fees and mandated maintenance expenses begin to exceed the savings in insurance premiums.

Finally, an owner can opt to have his designer and builder use the written classification standards as a guide in the construction of his new vessel, without actually contracting with the society. This avoids some of the expenses of questionable value, such as factory testing and equipment certification. Then an independent non-society surveyor or project manager can oversee the construction up to delivery, and the captain, vessel management firm, or favorite boatyard can track maintenance requirements. It’s not official, but it’s still classy.

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