International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)

International Association of
Classification Societies (IACS)
Name: Mohamed Essam Rashad

ID: 3540
Introduction
Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, IACS makes a unique contribution
to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance
verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world's
cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction
and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member
Societies of IACS.
IACS Procedural Requirements require member societies to provide

monthly reports on ships in class; class suspensions lasting more than 7
days, reinstatements, withdrawals and reassignments; transfers; and ISM
Code and ISPS Code certificates issued.
This information is collected directly by Equasis. Weekly updated list from

Equasis is available to download from Vessels in Class, subject to the terms
of use specified below. Note that in the preparation of the lists, the utmost
effort has been made to offer the most current and complete factual
information possible. Nonetheless, inadvertent errors can occur, and IACS
Ltd. makes no representation or warranties, either express or implied, with
respect to the accuracy or completeness of the data.
The Contribution
With its extensive knowledge of the industry and fleet, IACS provides a
massive contribution to international shipping and regulations, depending
obviously on the input from the members. Although it is a non-
governmental organization, it holds a consultative status with the IMO and
regularly participates in the capacity of an observer as well as an adviser to
the IMO and the member states. This includes participation in the Maritime
Safety Committee (MSC), Maritime Environment Protection Committee
(MEPC), International Safety Management (ISM) as well as any other sub-
committees and such.
IACS had a vital role in the implementation of ISM, a mainstay in the
shipping industry today, wherein the IACS developed guidelines and
provided interpretations of the ISM Code. Having the majority of the
world’s fleet under its purview and the extensive knowledge associated with
it, IACS also enables cooperation with the Port State Control (PSC) to
ensure high quality in the maritime field.
Enhance Survey Programs
The ESP requires full planning of the in advance of the periodical

classification surveys and associated minimum requirements with increasing
maintenance of onboard documents, in turn, may increase the efficiency of
merchant shipping and reduces risks associated therein with regard to the
same. Its motto of safe ships and clean seas is indeed adhered to with the
enforcement of such standards.
Transfer of Class
This agreement to be able to prevent transfer the class was enforced in

1995. In this, the objective was to prevent the transfer of a ship from one
class with one IACS member to another to avoid unnecessary surveys and
repairs. Under this agreement, the transfer can happen only if the pending
classification surveys and associated documentation have been completed.
All such transfers are promulgated to PSC organizations and other parties
of interest.
IACS Activities
 Ship Classification Services
Classification is essential to the structural and engineering design,

construction and operation of ships and affects shipbuilding, maintenance
and repair, shipbroking, chartering, insurance etc. The certificate issued is
an imperative document which confirms that the ship has been built as per
the classification society’s standards and that she adheres to the level of the
quality associated with such society. To maintain its class while in service, a
ship must be surveyed annually, with a major survey every 5 years. These
surveys get stricter as the ship gets older. Failure to adhere to the quality
standards of the classification societies renders the certificate liable to be
invalid.
 Ensuring High Standards
To ensure highest standards as the norm for IACS members, IACS

introduced the QSCS (Quality System Certification Scheme) in 1991. This
scheme embraces management systems with respect to ship classification
and statutory work carried out by members. QSCS sets monitors standards
to create uniformity in the operations of the members. The members play a
vital role in strengthening the QSCS. Compliance with the requirements of
the QSCS is mandatory for membership into the IACS. The certificate of
conformity to the QSCS is valid for 3 years subject to review as per surveys
and monitoring.
 Publications
IACS has publications provide guidelines to members. This area provides

access to technical resolutions produced by IACS.
The IACS Green Book contains IACS Resolutions and Recommendations in

force a The Green Book is updated when an IACS new or revised Resolution
or Recommendation is uploaded. The IACS Green Book is revised at the end
of each working day. The annex to the Green Book contains all adopted
IACS Resolutions and their future entry into force dates. The IACS Blue Book
contains the IACS Green Book as well as previous revisions of IACS
publications and historical data. The IACS Blue Book is updated and
published once a year only.
 A Safer Future
Being in the center of the maritime industry, IACS are at the leading edge
of developments with respect to advancements in safety of new and
existing ships as well as with regard to the concept for the future in the
industry. Providing the members with technical knowhow and suggestions,
IACS is becoming more and more important in an increasingly complex and
accountable industry.
References
http://www.iacs.org.uk
https://www.marineinsight.com

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International Association of

Classification Societies (IACS)

Name: Mohamed Essam Rashad

IACS Procedural Requirements require member societies to provide

This information is collected directly by Equasis. Weekly updated list from

Enhance Survey Programs

The ESP requires full planning of the in advance of the periodical

This agreement to be able to prevent transfer the class was enforced in

 Ship Classification Services

Classification is essential to the structural and engineering design,

 Ensuring High Standards

To ensure highest standards as the norm for IACS members, IACS

IACS has publications provide guidelines to members. This area provides

The IACS Green Book contains IACS Resolutions and Recommendations in

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