6. Classification Societies

Question 1

Term

Answer 1

Definition

Question 2

Classification Society

Answer 2

Organizations that establish and administer standards for the construction and classification of ships and offshore structures.

Question 3

Class Certificate

Answer 3

A certificate issued by a classification society that indicates a ship is in compliance with the standards of that society.

Question 4

Survey

Answer 4

An inspection carried out by surveyors from classification societies to verify that the construction of the ship complies with the rules.

Question 5

Hull Classification

Answer 5

A specific classification related to the structural integrity and condition of the ship’s hull.

Question 6

Machinery Classification

Answer 6

A classification that pertains to the mechanical components and systems of a ship, ensuring they meet required standards.

Question 7

Notation

Answer 7

Additional classification symbols on a class certificate that indicate a vessel is suitable for certain types of service or has certain extra features.

Question 8

Annual Survey

Answer 8

A yearly inspection required to maintain class certification, ensuring ongoing compliance with safety standards.

Question 9

Enhanced Survey

Answer 9

A more detailed inspection regime applied to certain types of ships, such as oil tankers and bulk carriers, due to the higher risks associated with their operation.

Question 10

Dry-Docking Survey

Answer 10

A type of survey that is conducted while a ship is in dry dock, focusing on parts of the ship that are submerged and difficult to inspect when afloat.

Question 11

Intermediate Survey

Answer 11

A survey carried out at approximately half the interval of the period of class certification to verify the condition of the ship and its equipment.

Question 12

Special Survey

Answer 12

A thorough inspection of a ship, carried out periodically, that assesses the ship’s condition in greater detail than annual or intermediate surveys.

Question 13

Load Line Assignment

Answer 13

The determination of the maximum depth to which a ship can be safely loaded, marked by a line on the hull.

Question 14

Condition Assessment Program (CAP)

Answer 14

A program by some classification societies that assesses older ships in more detail than the regular survey cycles.

Question 15

International Safety Management (ISM) Code

Answer 15

A standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention.

Question 16

International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code

Answer 16

A set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities.

Question 17

Statutory Certification

Answer 17

Certification that a ship complies with required international conventions, carried out on behalf of flag states by classification societies.

Question 18

Flag State Implementation

Answer 18

The enforcement of international and national regulations by the country under whose flag the ship is registered.

Question 19

Recognized Organization (RO)

Answer 19

An organization recognized by the flag state to carry out inspections and certifications on its behalf.

Question 20

Technical File

Answer 20

A file maintained for each ship, containing all technical data and documentation related to classification and surveys.

Question 21

Fitness for Service Assessment

Answer 21

An evaluation to determine if a ship is fit to continue operation based on its physical condition and operational parameters.

Question 22

Casualty Investigation

Answer 22

Investigations conducted by classification societies into marine accidents involving vessels under their class.

Question 23

Plan Approval

Answer 23

The process by which classification societies review and approve the designs and plans for new ships or major modifications.

Question 24

Ice Class

Answer 24

A notation given to a ship indicating its structural strength and capability to navigate through ice-covered waters.

Question 25

Green Passport

Answer 25

A document that lists all the materials present in a ship that may be hazardous to people or the environment, used particularly for ships going to be recycled.

Question 26

Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)

Answer 26

A measure of a ship’s environmental efficiency as it relates to CO2 emissions.

Question 27

Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)

Answer 27

A plan established to improve the energy efficiency of a ship.

Question 28

Alternative Compliance Program (ACP)

Answer 28

A program that allows for alternative methods of compliance with certain regulatory requirements.

Question 29

Risk-Based Inspection (RBI)

Answer 29

An approach to surveys that focuses on the areas of highest risk to prioritize inspection resources.

Question 30

Common Structural Rules (CSR)

Answer 30

Rules established jointly by classification societies for the structural design of bulk carriers and oil tankers.

Question 31

Dual Class

Answer 31

A situation where a ship is classed by two classification societies to meet the requirements of different stakeholders.