Classification Societies – Contribution to Martime Safety

1. Classification Societies –Contribution to Martime Safety Gesa Heinacher-Lindemann LL.M., Legal Director

2. Introduction • Historic facts • Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServicesContributions tomaritime safety • Recent developments Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

3. Historic Facts • Initiative taken by maritime circles • 1764 first register of ships • Germanischer Lloyd was established 1867 • Ships were sorted into different classes Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

4. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServicesClassification Rules Classification rules recognised as „State of technology“ Classification rules developed through • extensive research and development • experience of a worldwide network of surveyors Innovation possible through expertise toevaluate whether a new design is equivalent Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

5. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServicesIACS Unified Requirements • Foundation of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) in 1968 • 10 Members / 1 Associate Minimum standards (unified requirements)for some elements of the vessel • ensure acceptance • identify new developments Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

6. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServiceStatutory Rules Important IMO Conventions • SOLAS andAmendments • MARPOL • Load Line Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

7. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServiceDual function • Detailed class rules • SOLAS sets up verygeneralized CLASS SAFCON STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Class entirely embraces theShip Safety Construction Certificate Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

8. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServicesServices towards shipyards Scope: •plan approval • technical supervision • verify relevant tests and trials leading to Classification certificate Rule making body observes the implementation of Rules and safeguards their interpretation Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

9. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServicesServices towards ship suppliers Scope depends on equipment or material: • type approval inspection •random inspections • final inspections leading to Certificate Approving the equipment with a clear understanding of the overall system “vessel” Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

10. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServicesServices towards shipowners Scope: • Surveys on a five year cycle  annual surveys  intermediate surveys  class renewal surveys leading to Renewal of Class Certificate Supervision over an entire life cycle Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

11. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServicesServices towards flag states Scope: • Statutory certification services • Acc. to IMO guideline from 1993 / EU Directive on classification societies (94/57) leading to reports or certificates for Flag States Use of exclusive world-wide network of surveyors Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

12. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServicesISM Scope: • Certification of safety management systems International Safety Management Code ISM leading to • Document of Compliance (shore based organisation) • Safety Management Certificate (each vessel) Identification of weak points in the quality system Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

13. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServicesISPS Scope: • Approval of risk analysis • ship security plan in case of vessels leading to International Ship Security Certificate Worldwide exclusive staff, trained also for security matters Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

14. Classification Societies‘ Scope of ServicesShip’s data Ship Register: • Name of ship and owner • Call sign, IMO number, GL number, flag etc. • Class, year of built, tonnage, equipment, cargo Fleet Online: GL database on survey status Data available to Administration, clients,port State, Officers, EU Commission Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

15. Classification Societies’ Scope of Service Tokyo MOU 2002-2004 Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

16. Recent Developments • Recent casualties such as Prestige have shown that classification societies are exposed to potential unlimited liability • IMO is discussing a change to rulemaking policy in setting goal based standards • EU intends “one European standard” also for small national class societies Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety

17. Thank you very much for your attention! Classification Societies‘ Contribution to Maritime Safety