Classification

Assignment of class

Class is assigned to a ship upon the completion of satisfactory surveys, held to verify that the vessel is in compliance with the relevant Rules of this Society.

This assignment may be given in the following cases:

on completion of the new building, after satisfactory surveys have been performed;
on completion of a satisfactory specific class survey of an existing ship classed with another classification Society; or
on completion of a satisfactory specific class survey of an existing ship not classed at all.

transfer of class

This Society being gaining or losing Society is implementing IACS PR1A (Rev.6 Jan 2019)

In addition to section C of IACS PR1A (Rev.6 Jan 2019)

Owner should arrange exhibiting of the following, where applicable;

Latest & historic classification records,
Latest & historic statutory records,
Latest and historic records of Sea Trail Report
Latest and historic records of hull thickness measurement
Latest and history records of rudder bearing clearances and tailshaft clearances (Poker Guage readings) and Deck Crane (s) Slewing Bearing Clearance
Latest and historic records of Megger Test for elec. equipment, and ops tests for Generators.
Latest and historic records of lube oil analysis report (s) & water analysis reports (Boiler & Main Engine)

Maintenance of class

Classed ships are subject to surveys for maintenance of class. These surveys include the class renewal, intermediate, annual, and bottom/docking surveys (either a survey in dry dock or an in-water survey) of the hull, tailshaft survey, boiler survey, machinery surveys and surveys for the maintenance of additional class notations, where applicable. Such surveys are carried out at the intervals and under the conditions given below.

The surveys are to be carried out in accordance with the relevant requirements in order to confirm that the condition of the hull, machinery, equipment and appliances comply with the applicable Rules. It is the owner’s duty to ensure that the ship’s maintenance is kept at a satisfactory level in order to maintain the condition between surveys.

The extent of any survey depends upon the condition of the ship and its equipment. In addition to the minimum required extent of surveys specified in the Rules, should the surveyor have a doubt as to the maintenance or condition of the ship or its equipment, or be informed by the owner of any deficiency or damage which may affect class, further examination and testing may be conducted as considered necessary.

Suspension of class

Class may be suspended following a decision made by this Society when one or more of the following occurs:

when a ship is not operated in compliance with the Rule requirements;
when a ship proceeds to sea with less freeboard than that assigned;
when the owner fails to request a survey after having detected defects or damages affecting the class;
when repairs, alterations or conversions affecting the class are carried out without requesting the attendance of a surveyor.

In addition, class is automatically suspended:

when the class renewal/special survey has not been completed by its due date or within the time granted in special circumstances for the completion of the survey, unless the ship is under attendance by the Society’s surveyor(s) with a view to completion prior to resuming trading;
when the annual or intermediate surveys have not been completed by the end of the corresponding survey time windows.

Suspension of class with respect to the above cases will remain in effect until such time as the due surveys and any other survey deemed appropriate by the Society have been completed.

In addition to the circumstances for which automatic suspension may apply, the class of a ship will be subject to suspension procedures following a decision of the Society:

when a recommendation/condition of class is not dealt with within the time limit specified, unless it is postponed before the due date by agreement with the Society;
when one or more other surveys are not held by their due dates - or the dates stipulated by the Society also taking into account any extensions granted;
when, due to the nature of reported defects, the Society considers that a ship is not entitled to retain its class even on a temporary basis (pending necessary repairs or renewals, etc.);
in other circumstances where the owner fails to submit the ship to a survey in accordance with a special requirement.

In all cases suspension will remain in effect until such time as matters are rectified and the class is reinstated or class is withdrawn.

The suspensions of class which are not automatic may take effect from the date when the conditions for suspension occurred.

However once the conditions for class suspension/withdrawal are met and before any decision by the Society can be taken, either because the Society is not aware of the circumstances (surveys dates, etc. are recorded but not systematically monitored) or because the decision is not yet taken, maintenance of class cannot generally be confirmed by the Society during this period.

Withdrawal of class

This Society will withdraw the class of a ship when:

requested by the owner;
the class has been suspended for more than five months;
the ship is reported as a constructive total loss and the owner does not advise his intention to repair the ship for re-instatement of class;
the ship is reported lost;
the ship will not trade further as declared by its owner.

Withdrawal of class takes effect from the date on which the circumstances causing such withdrawal occur or when it is decided.

Notification of suspension or withdrawal

When class is suspended or withdrawn, the Society will at the same time:

inform the owner, flag Administration and underwriters (the latter at their request);
publish the information on its website and convey the information to appropriate databases (Equasis, etc.).