The Respective Roles of Classification

Societies and Vetting Agencies in

Supporting the Maritime Industry Adopt
and Maintain High Standards of
Safety and Environmental Compliance

Introduction Classification Societies are involved with the ship throughout

its lifecycle, including design approval, survey during
Classification Societies and Vetting Agencies are distinct, construction and in service, issuance of classification
yet related aspects of the maritime industry serving different certificates, etc. In turn, ship service experience as well
purposes. Working towards the same objective of ensuring as research and development are used to refine the
the safety and quality of ships by minimising potential Rules, making the whole process a cycle of continuous
accidents and failures, both the processes of classification improvement. As such, and in addition to feedback gained
and vetting have distinct focuses involving different from experience, class societies spend significant resources
stakeholders. to develop rules and requirements to tackle new risks
allowing for the implementation of new technology, typically
new fuels, cyber threats, etc. A commitment to research
Classification Societies and development is not only integral to refining the Rules
and its fundamental importance is recognised by way of it
The purpose of a Classification Society is to develop and being a prerequisite for Membership of IACS1. Consequently,
apply its rules for construction and maintenance of ships classification societies have a unique insight into the technical
(structural, engineering, and mechanical system), and background that supports the rules and the intended safety
perform statutory certification as a Recognised Organisation objective that will be met through their application.
(RO) acting on behalf of a Flag Administration. They offer
assistance to the maritime industry and regulatory bodies as Furthermore, classification societies are engaged in a broad
regards maritime safety and pollution prevention, based on range of related services including statutory survey, survey
the accumulation of knowledge derived from the performance of materials and equipment, safety management audits etc.
of ships against class and statutory regulations. which also provides valuable experience that can be used in
the rule development process.

1 Membership Criterion 8 – Technical ability to contribute to IACS

THE RESPECTIVE ROLES OF CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES AND VETTING AGENCIES IN SUPPORTING THE MARITIME INDUSTRY ADOPT
AND MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

Vetting Agencies minimum requirements as laid out in the IMO’s Code for
Recognised Organisations (The RO Code) and is subject to
According to Windward AI, vessel vetting is a process of periodical third party assessments (e.g. audits, VCAs, etc.).
evaluating and assessing the suitability of a vessel for a These requirements involve a mix of theoretical and practical
particular purpose, such as carrying a certain type of cargo, training to ensure proficiency with the rules, technical
or operating in a specific region. This evaluation typically standards or statutory regulations and to carry out survey
involves a review of the vessel’s technical and operational or design assessment work independently. Competence
characteristics, and its safety and compliance record. acquired through training is evaluated via written/oral
examinations. Moreover, surveyors are required to maintain
Vetting is generally performed on request of charterers and their qualifications through continuous professional
vetting inspectors collect data according to the vetting development, attending training courses, and staying
system requirements. In contrast, a rating system uses updated with the latest industry standards and technological
vetting data for the purpose of identifying suitable vessels. advancements. There are also obligations on IACS Member’s
The typical work of vetting departments comprises collecting to maintain formal records of the qualifications, experience,
and evaluating information from a large number of sources. practical and theoretical training, and ongoing examinations
of their surveyors, all of which is verified annually during
performance reviews. All IACS Members also undertake
Classification Society Activities annual Activity Monitoring to determine whether the
Compared to Vetting Agency Activities individuals maintain the competence and capability to
satisfactorily perform the work for which they are qualified,
Class and vetting agencies can operate in harmony, as to identify needs for continual improvement in aligning the
they fulfill distinct yet complementary functions within the technical services across the organisation, and to identify
maritime industry. Comparative analysis shows that there need for improvements in the guidance, processes, training
are a lot more differences than similarities between the two. and supporting tools provided for the technical staff. While
Classification societies traditionally serve shipbuilders and some Vetting Agencies maintain stringent standards and
shipowners (by proving for compliance with SOLAS Reg. transparent processes in selecting their vetting inspectors,
II-1/3-12) and insurers and perform public functions as ROs. who may be highly qualified, there are no externally
Vetting is a private and voluntary system, initially set up by mandated requirements for these roles either in terms of
oil companies to assist them in choosing the appropriate initial qualifications or experience or with regards to ongoing
vessels to charter for their trade, and subsequently adopted professional development nor a third-party assessment of
by other charterers for other trades. their ongoing competence and qualifications.

Surveying and certification are undertaken by classification Risk assessments are undertaken by both Class and Vetting
societies to ensure compliance with their rules who also Agencies. Class conducts risk assessments for new designs
accept the legal liability for the accuracy of the certification to ensure its safety and compliance with industry standards
provided. The work of Class is however not limited to and regulations. However, risk assessments undertaken
their classification and statutory work. They also have an by Vetting Agencies serve a different purpose which is to
important role as advisers to the shipping industry, sharing assess the operational risks and the suitability of a vessel for
their experience, technical proficiency, and extensive R&D transporting a specific cargo.
programmes. Vetting Agencies
on the other hand do not issue
documentation that legally certifies
the compliance of a vessel with
international rules and statutory
requirements.

To be employed by an IACS
Classification Society as survey
and/or plan approval staff, it is
required that such personnel
be fully qualified and meet the

2 SOLAS ii-1/3-1 “… ships shall be

designed, constructed and maintained
in compliance with the structural,
mechanical and electrical requirements of a
classification society which is recognized by
the Administration in accordance with the
provisions of regulation XI-1/1…”
THE RESPECTIVE ROLES OF CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES AND VETTING AGENCIES IN SUPPORTING THE MARITIME INDUSTRY ADOPT
AND MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

The table below provides a comparison of the key different focuses of the two functions:

Ship Classification Ship Vetting

Technical experts focusing on the ships’ design, construction, Objective is to provide a comprehensive assessment of
quality of structures, machinery, electrical and control operational aspects, performance of the crew, suitability
systems etc as per rules and regulations. for specific cargo types or voyages etc against their own
requirements.

Performed by classification societies as defined in IACS Performed by charterers, cargo owners, P&I or vetting
Charter Annex 43. organisations etc.

Development and maintenance of their own class rules Desktop driven from a multitude of sources including the use
through extensive research and development and detailed of third-party inspection reports such as SIRE, CDI, class
knowledge of the technical background behind the rules. records (conditions, status), survey reports etc.

Appraisal of design, and drawings by Rule application and Assessments could be conducted before each charter or
advanced direct numerical simulation and analysis, surveys voyage.
during the construction (to ensure compliance with approved
drawings) and operation of a ship by fully qualified surveyors.

Class and Statutory surveys are performed from first Evaluates the vessel’s past safety, compliance, and incident
principles each time which then provides an assurance over history at a specific point in time.
a given period of the vessel’s condition (subject to it being
properly maintained and operated in accordance with class
rules and statutory regulations).

Maintains high standard of quality in the application of rules Are not bound by specific international standards, rather
and regulations and other services in compliance with IACS follows their own sets of criteria and processes.
QSCS, IMO RO Code and EU Regulation.

A valid class certificate assures the structural integrity of a A successful vetting outcome provides an indication to
vessel and its compliance with classification rules (covering interested parties that the vessel is suitable and reliable for
also machinery, electrical and automation systems, material the specific voyage in terms of its operations, compliance,
and welding, surveys, etc.) and statutory regulations requiring and risks.
the vessel to have a class certificate (e.g. SOLAS reg. II-1/3-1).

Takes legal responsibility for the work undertaken and the ---
decisions made.

Conditions of Class can be issued to assist the vessel in Used by Vetting Agencies to indicate potential areas of
preparing and scheduling maintenance and repairs while operational interest to third parties unrelated to safety.
continuing to operate safely as classed ships.

Conclusion
While it is clear that Classification Societies and Vetting Agencies serve distinct roles, the coexistence of both can enhance the
overall safety and operational efficiency of the maritime industry and neither one can replace the other. It is acknowledged that
vetting plays a role in evaluating a vessel’s operational standards, it cannot however replace the essential functions performed
by Class in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the vessels in a manner that is fully transparent and is subject to third
party oversight and audit. A successful, collaborative approach between Class and Vetting Agencies requires a comprehensive
understanding of each other’s roles and, importantly, both their strengths and limitations. Vetting agency findings that
are reviewed with a clear understanding of the class related elements will enable all parties to establish a more accurate
interpretation of the information provided. Ultimately, the services provided by Classification Societies and Vetting Agencies
demonstrate a shared commitment to maritime safety and, when properly applied, serve as tools to reinforce high standards of
safety and environmental protection.

3 SOLAS ii-1/3-1 “… ships shall be designed, constructed and maintained in compliance with the structural, mechanical and electrical requirements of a
classification society which is recognized by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of regulation XI-1/1…”

International Association of Classification Societies

Permanent Secretariat, 4 Matthew Parker Street, Westminster, London SW1H 9NP, UK
E: [email protected] T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660 www.iacs.org.uk