Classification Society

A classification society sets technical rules for the design, construction, and survey of ships and offshore units, then verifies and certifies a vessel against those rules through plan approval and periodic survey. Flag states delegate statutory survey and certification work to recognized organizations under the RO Code. The International Association of Classification Societies coordinates twelve members through common Unified Requirements and Unified Interpretations. Class is a condition precedent to hull and machinery insurance, cargo acceptance, and port entry; suspension or withdrawal of class typically detains a ship commercially.