Goal-Based Standards (GBS)

Goal-Based Standards (GBS) are an IMO framework that sets the goals and functional requirements a ship’s construction rules must meet, leaving the detailed prescriptive rules to recognized organizations whose rules IMO then verifies for conformity. The International Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers were adopted as resolution MSC.287(87), and SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 (resolution MSC.290(87), in force 1 January 2012) makes them mandatory for oil tankers and bulk carriers of 150 m and above contracted on or after 1 July 2016. IACS aligned the Common Structural Rules to the GBS functional requirements; IMO confirmed the twelve IACS members’ rules conform.