Maritime Construction Regulations (Classes)
Introduction
In the field of navigation, a classification society is a non-governmental organization or non-profit professional group, whose objective is to promote the safety of navigation.[1] They establish and maintain ships and oil platforms, and certify the categories of ships. They record the certificates in a record book that they publish periodically.
Classification societies certify that the construction of a ship is within standards, they carry out periodic inspections (on issues of safety and soundness) to verify that they continue to comply with them. There are more than 50 classification societies, but only 12 belong to the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).
To register a ship, a “class certificate” issued by a classification society, which is recognized by the registration holder, is required. It is also necessary to take out marine insurance on the vessel. It may be required at the entrance to certain ports or channels. Potential charterers may find it interesting. To avoid liability, classification societies explicitly disclaim responsibility for the safety, fitness or seaworthiness of the ship; They only verify that the boat meets the classification standards of the society that issues the classification certificate.
Classification societies also issue "International Load Line Certificates" in accordance with the states participating in the International Convention on Load Lines" (CLL 66/88).
Responsibilities
The liability of a classification society can be both contractual and non-contractual. The company is obliged to provide the naval classification service (inspection or control) and must be responsible for it in the event of non-compliance.
Classification societies establish technical standards based on experience and research, confirm that designs and calculations comply with these standards, inspect ships and structures during the construction and commissioning process, and periodically inspect ships to ensure that they continue to comply with them. They also classify oil platforms, submarines... The inspection includes diesel engines, pumps and essential machinery for navigation.
Although classification society contracts are not covered by international legislation, there is a regulation approved by the International Maritime Committee (ICC) at the Antwerp Conference in 1977.[Note 1] The same CMI has drafted a model of contractual clauses for classification societies in 1999.