classification society today

Today there are a number
of classification societies,
the largest of which are
Det Norske Veritas, Lloyd's
Register, Germanischer
Lloyd, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai,
RINA and the American
Bureau of Shipping
.
Classification societies
employ ship surveyors,
material engineers, piping
engineers, mechanical
engineers, chemical
engineers and electrical
engineers, often located at
ports and office buildings
around the world.
Marine vessels and
structures are classified
according to the soundness
of their structure and
design for the purpose of
the vessel. The classification
rules are designed to
ensure an acceptable
degree of stability, safety,
environmental impact, etc.
All nations require that
ships and other marine
structures flying their flag
meet certain standards; in
most cases these standards
are deemed to be met if
the ship has the relevant
certificate from a member
of the IACS or EMSA.
Certificates issued by the
classification society on
behalf of the flag country
are also required for
pumps, engines, and other
equipment vital to the
ship's function. Equipment
under certain sizes is
usually excluded from
these certificate
requirements.