Answer
To become a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), an organization must satisfy strict quantitative criteria, technical standards, and quality management protocols outlined in the IACS Charter and Procedures.
The primary requirements are categorized into quantitative fleet criteria, technical/operational capabilities, and quality compliance:
1. Quantitative Fleet and Experience Criteria
An applicant classification society must demonstrate significant operational scale and history:
Requirement Category | Full Membership Criteria | Associate Membership Criteria |
|---|---|---|
Operational Experience | Minimum 30 years of experience as a classification society. | Minimum 15 years of experience. |
Fleet Size (Number of Ships) | More than 1,500 seagoing vessels classed (over 100 GT each). | More than 750 seagoing vessels classed. |
Total Gross Tonnage (GT) | Total classed fleet must exceed 8 million gross tons. | Total classed fleet must exceed 2 million gross tons. |
Surveyor Staff | Employ at least 150 exclusive surveyors. | Employ at least 75 surveyors. |
Technical Support Staff | Employ at least 100 technical staff. | Employ at least 50 technical staff. |
2. Technical and Operational Competence Criteria
Under IACS Membership Criteria (Criteria 2 through 10), an applicant must prove:
- Rule Development: Demonstrated ability to independently develop, apply, maintain, and publish its own comprehensive set of classification rules in English, covering design appraisal, construction, and periodical in-service surveys.
- Statutory Survey Capability: Proven capability to execute surveys for ships under construction and in-service in compliance with IMO, ILO, and Flag State requirements.
- Global Exclusive Network: Sufficient worldwide coverage by exclusive surveyors (not non-exclusive/part-time fee surveyors) relative to its fleet size and newbuilding program.
- Research and Contribution: Proven in-house research and technical staff capable of actively contributing on an ongoing basis to the technical working groups of IACS for the enhancement of maritime safety.
- Public Register: Maintenance of an up-to-date register of classed ships in electronic and English format, updated at least annually.
3. Independence and Impartiality
- Commercial Independence: The society must be entirely independent from ship-owning, ship-building, and other commercial or financial interests that could compromise its professional impartiality and integrity.
4. Mandatory Quality Certification (QSCS)
- IACS Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS): The applicant must achieve full compliance with QSCS. This involves rigorous audits conducted by an independent Accredited Certification Body (ACB) recognized and benchmarked by the IACS Quality Secretary and Operations Centre.