The regulatory activities of the classification societies
Despite their obvious importance, the classification societies have no legal authority.
There is no requirement for a shipowner to obtain classification, but classification is
generally necessary to obtain insurance, and a ship would have little value without it.
The voluntary nature of classification means that classification societies compete
with each other to offer classification services to shipowners and do so on the value
of their rules and their ability to implement them efficiently. The service they offer
today has two fundamental aspects, developing rules and implementing them.
First, the continuous updating of rules to reflect changes in marine technology.
Procedures vary, but most societies develop their rules through a committee structure,
involving experts from various scientific disciplines and technical activities including
naval architect, marine engineers, underwriters, owners, builders, operators, materials
manufacturers, machinery fabricators and individuals in other related fields. This
process takes into account the activities of IMO and IACS unified requirements.
The second stage involves the application of the rules to practical shipbuilding
and shipping. This is a three-step procedure:
1 A technical plan review. The plans of the ship are submitted to the classification
society for inspection, to ensure that the mechanical structural details in the
design of the ship conforms to the rules. If the plans are found satisfactory
they are passed and construction can proceed. Sometimes modifications are
required, or explanations required on certain points.
2 Surveys during construction to verify that the approved plans are implemented,
good workmanship practices are employed and that rules are followed. This
includes the testing of materials and major components such as engines, forgings
and boilers.
3 Periodic surveys for the maintenance of class. Merchant ships are required to
undergo a scheme of surveys while in service to verify their acceptability for
classification.
The classification procedures for classing existing ships are, in general terms, agreed
by IACS for members and associates. The regulations imposed by Lloyds Register
are; hull and machinery special survey—five years; dry-docking survey—two-anda-
half-years; hull and machinery annual survey—one year; tail shaft inspection—
five years; boiler survey—two-and-a-half years. The hull and machinery survey is
very demanding, involving detailed inspection and measurement of the hull.