International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)

The world’s principal ten classification societies make up the membership of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), along with two associate members. Ninety percent of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification; design, construction and through-life compliance rules and standards set by these members.

International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) devotes a great deal of its energy to establishing and upholding standards for the classification of ships. It has promoted a code of ethics to which it expects its members to adhere, and promotes transparency within the system of classification.

In order to obtain membership of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), a classification society must satisfy demanding criteria on quality systems and procedures, and it has been known for societies to be suspended from membership for failing to uphold the standards required.

International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has had to deal with much criticism of the system of classification following a series of serious maritime accidents where certification issued by one or more of its members have been called into question in the public domain. It has attempted to address the difficulty perceived by the public of the commercial aspects of classification society work influencing the standards applied to members’ tonnage.

—

What is International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)?

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is a globally recognized organization comprised of leading classification societies that play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and environmental performance of the international maritime industry. IACS was established in 1968 and is based in London, United Kingdom.

The primary purpose of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is to promote high technical standards and best practices in the design, construction, and maintenance of ships and offshore structures. The association achieves this by establishing unified rules and guidelines, as well as providing technical support, research, and development services to its member organizations.

International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) members are responsible for classifying the majority of the world’s commercial shipping fleet. These classification societies work closely with shipowners, shipbuilders, governments, and regulatory bodies to ensure that ships and marine structures meet strict safety and environmental standards.

What are the Main Activities of IACS?

Some of the main activities of IACS include:

Certification and classification services: International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) members provide independent verification and certification services for ships and marine structures, ensuring that they are built, maintained, and operated in compliance with the relevant rules and regulations.
Developing unified requirements and procedures: International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) establishes common technical rules and standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of ships and offshore structures. These unified requirements ensure a consistent level of safety and environmental performance across the global fleet.
Technical support and research: International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) members conduct research and provide technical support to improve ship design, construction, and maintenance processes. They also develop and share best practices and knowledge to enhance the safety and environmental performance of the maritime industry.
Quality management: International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has implemented a quality management system to ensure that its members consistently deliver high-quality services and maintain their technical expertise. The association also conducts regular audits of its members to verify their compliance with the established quality standards.
Collaboration with international organizations: International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) collaborates with key international organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), to develop and implement global standards for the maritime industry.

International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) member societies include some of the most recognized names in the maritime industry, such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Bureau Veritas (BV), DNV, Lloyd’s Register (LR), and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), among others. By working together, these organizations help to promote and maintain a safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible global maritime industry.

What is the role of IACS in the Maritime Industry?

Dedicated to Safe Ships and Clean Seas

If you’ve ever wondered who ensures that the ships that transport goods and people across the seas are safe and comply with regulations, then you should know about the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). With 12 member societies, IACS classifies over 90% of the world’s merchant shipping tonnage, making it a crucial player in ensuring maritime safety and regulation.

Technical Support, Compliance Verification, and Research and Development

International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) was established in 1968 with the primary goal of promoting high standards in safety, pollution prevention, and close collaboration with the shipping industry and other organizations. It achieves this through technical support, compliance verification, and research and development.

Rules and Regulations for Safe and Compliant Ships

Most international administrations base their fleet’s license to operate on International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) members’ rules and regulations, which cover a vast number of ships. Members conduct surveys every year and, when necessary, more frequently. They also play an active role in the workings of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and have a voice in the development of international conventions.

The Elimination of Substandard Ships

The reach of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) extends to eliminating substandard ships and increasing the sophistication of ship design and operations. International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) members are critical in ensuring that ships comply with mandatory requirements.

The International Association of Classification Societies plays a vital role in the maritime industry by promoting safety, pollution prevention, and collaboration with the shipping industry and organizations. With its extensive reach and technical support, International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) ensures the elimination of substandard ships, and its members’ rules and regulations set the standard for safe and compliant ships.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) provides a significant contribution to international shipping and regulations, thanks to its extensive knowledge of the industry and fleet, and input from its members. Although it is a non-governmental organization, IACS holds a consultative status with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and participates in the capacity of an observer and adviser to the IMO and its member states. IACS participates in various committees, including the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), International Safety Management (ISM), and sub-committees.

IACS’ Role in the Implementation of the ISM Code

IACS played a vital role in the implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, a mainstay in the shipping industry today. IACS developed guidelines and provided interpretations of the ISM Code, making it easier for shipping companies to comply with regulations.

Collaboration with Port State Control (PSC)

With the majority of the world’s fleet under its purview and extensive knowledge associated with it, IACS also enables cooperation with Port State Control (PSC) to ensure high quality in the maritime field. This collaboration helps prevent substandard ships from operating and ensures that all ships comply with mandatory requirements.

Support and Compliance with Regulatory Demands

In the ever-increasing world of regulatory paperwork, IACS members support and comply with the regulatory demands. With rising demands and a focus on skilled workers and expertise in the human element, IACS’ role becomes more vital with each passing day.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of ships operating in international waters. Its technical support, compliance verification, and research and development, along with its extensive knowledge of the industry and fleet, make International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) an essential organization in the maritime industry.

IACS Initiatives to Enhance Safety and Efficiency in the Maritime Industry

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has introduced various initiatives to enhance safety and efficiency in the maritime industry. Two such initiatives are the Enhanced Survey Program (ESP) and the Transfer of Class agreement.

Enhanced Survey Program (ESP)

The Enhanced Survey Program (ESP) was introduced for oil tankers and bulk carriers by International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) in 1993 and came into full effect in 1996. It requires full planning of the periodic classification surveys in advance and associated minimum requirements with increasing stringency and maintenance of onboard documents. While it may seem cumbersome, it increases the efficiency of merchant shipping and reduces associated risks. Adherence to the Enhanced Survey Program (ESP) standards aligns with International Association of Classification Societies’ (IACS) motto of safe ships and clean seas.

Transfer of Class Agreement

The Transfer of Class agreement was enforced in 1995 with the objective of preventing the transfer of a ship from one class with one International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) member to another to avoid unnecessary surveys and repairs. Under this agreement, transfer can only happen if the pending classification surveys and associated documentation have been completed. All transfers are communicated to Port State Control (PSC) organizations and other relevant parties.

IACS has taken various initiatives to ensure safe and efficient operations in the maritime industry. The Enhanced Survey Program and Transfer of Class agreement are two such initiatives that prevent unnecessary surveys and repairs, reduce risks associated with merchant shipping, and align with International Association of Classification Societies’ (IACS) motto of safe ships and clean seas. The efficient operation of the maritime industry is crucial, and International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) continues to play a vital role in promoting safety and efficiency.

The Vital Role of IACS in Ensuring Safe and Reliable Maritime Operations

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) plays a vital role in the maritime industry by providing ship classification services, ensuring high standards, and publishing technical guidelines for its members.

Ship Classification Services

Classification is essential to the structural and engineering design, construction, and operation of ships. The certificate issued by International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) confirms that the ship has been built to the society’s standards and adheres to a high level of quality. To maintain its class while in service, a ship must undergo annual surveys, with a major survey every five years. These surveys become stricter as the ship gets older. Failure to adhere to International Association of Classification Societies’ (IACS) quality standards renders the certificate liable to be invalid.

Ensuring High Standards

IACS introduced the Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS) in 1991 to ensure that its members maintain the highest standards. The QSCS monitors the management systems used by members for ship classification and statutory work. Compliance with the requirements of the QSCS is mandatory for IACS membership. The certificate of conformity to the QSCS is valid for three years, subject to review through surveys and monitoring.

International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Publications

International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) publishes technical guidelines for its members. The Green Book contains IACS Resolutions and Recommendations in force, and it is updated whenever a new or revised Resolution or Recommendation is uploaded. The Blue Book contains the Green Book and previous revisions of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) publications and historical data. It is updated and published once a year.

As a leading organization in the maritime industry, International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is at the forefront of developments in safety for new and existing ships, as well as the future of the industry. By providing technical knowledge and suggestions to its members, International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is becoming increasingly important in an industry that is becoming more complex and accountable. International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) plays a critical role in ensuring safe and reliable maritime operations through ship classification services, high standards enforcement, and technical publications. With its focus on safety, International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is a crucial organization for the maritime industry, and its contributions to the industry will undoubtedly shape its future.

What are the list of IACS Class Societies?

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is made up of 12 member societies that are among the most recognized and reputable classification societies in the maritime industry. Currently, the list of IACS member societies as follows:

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) – United States
Bureau Veritas (BV) – France
China Classification Society (CCS) – China
Croatian Register of Shipping (CRS) – Croatia
DNV (formerly Det Norske Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd) – Norway
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) – India
Korean Register of Shipping (KR) – South Korea
Lloyd’s Register (LR) – United Kingdom
Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) – Japan
Polski Rejestr Statków (PRS) – Poland
Registro Italiano Navale (RINA) – Italy
Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) – Russia

It is important to note that changes in membership can occur over time, and it is always advisable to verify the current list of International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) member societies on the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) official website (www.iacs.org.uk) to obtain the most up-to-date information.

Is China Classification Society IACS?

China Classification Society (CCS) is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). As an IACS member, China Classification Society (CCS) adheres to the technical standards, safety regulations, and environmental performance requirements established by IACS for the design, construction, and maintenance of ships and offshore structures. Membership in IACS signifies that China Classification Society (CCS) is recognized as a reputable classification society within the international maritime industry.

What is IACS Certificate?

An IACS Certificate refers to a document issued by a classification society that is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). These certificates attest to a ship’s or offshore structure’s compliance with the technical standards, safety regulations, and environmental performance requirements established by International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) and the respective classification society.

Various types of IACS Certificates can be issued depending on the specific area of compliance. Some common IACS certificates include:

Classification Certificate: This certificate confirms that a ship or offshore structure has been designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the rules and regulations of the issuing classification society, as well as applicable international conventions.
Safety Management Certificate (SMC): This certificate is issued under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, confirming that a ship’s management company has established and implemented an effective Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure the safe operation of the ship.
International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC): Issued under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, this certificate confirms that a ship has implemented appropriate security measures in line with international standards.
International Load Line Certificate: This certificate verifies that a ship complies with the International Convention on Load Lines, which sets the minimum allowable freeboard and other related requirements to ensure a ship’s stability and safety at sea.
International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate: This certificate, issued under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), confirms that a ship complies with the necessary pollution prevention measures and equipment requirements.
International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate: Also issued under MARPOL, this certificate attests to a ship’s compliance with air pollution prevention measures and equipment requirements.

These certificates are essential for a ship’s operation and are often required by port authorities, insurers, and other stakeholders. They help ensure that the ship meets the necessary safety and environmental standards, thereby minimizing risks and promoting responsible maritime operations.

What is the oldest Ship Classification Society in the World?

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is the oldest classification society in the world. Established in 1760 in London, United Kingdom, LR initially began as a marine classification society, providing services for the assessment and certification of ships’ seaworthiness. Over time, the organization expanded its scope to include other industries and sectors, such as energy, manufacturing, and transport, providing assurance, inspection, and certification services across various fields. Despite its diversification, Lloyd’s Register remains a key player in the global maritime industry and is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).