Maintained class

Maintained class describes a ship whose classification is in full force with no overdue surveys and no open conditions of class. The vessel has completed every annual, intermediate, special, and docking survey within its window and cleared any recommendations by their due dates, so the society confirms class is in effect and the certificate of class is valid. Charterers, P&I clubs, flag administrations, and vetting inspectors all require maintained class as a baseline, since suspended or withdrawn class invalidates the statutory certificates and most hull and machinery insurance cover. The survey status report is the document that proves it.