When do we require to ask for COC from class when for a dispensation from flag And when do we require both?

Answer

Here CoC means Condition of Class. Some societies use different terminology, such as Condition of Class, Recommendation, or similar.

A Condition of Class is imposed when there is a defect or damage affecting compliance with classification rules, but Class permits the vessel to continue temporarily subject to specified conditions and a time limit.

Typical examples are:

• Crack/damage to hull structure
• Wastage beyond allowable class limits
• Damaged sea-water piping or classed pressure piping
• Main engine defect affecting class requirements

You approach the Flag Administration when you cannot temporarily comply with a statutory requirement arising from SOLAS, MARPOL, Load Line, MLC or another applicable statutory instrument/convention.

Typical examples:

• Required firefighting equipment temporarily unavailable
• One required lifeboat/rescue boat arrangement defective
• GMDSS equipment defective
• Required navigation equipment defective

You need both when the same defect affects both: Classification Rules + Statutory Convention requirements.

For example, suppose one steering gear power unit is defective.

It may affect:

• Class: steering machinery/redundancy required by Class Rules.
• SOLAS: statutory steering gear requirements.

Therefore:

Inform Class → Class assesses technical condition/temporary repair/CoC.
Inform Flag → Flag considers statutory non-compliance/dispensation.

Another good example is emergency fire pump failure.

The emergency fire pump is a statutory requirement under SOLAS II-2. If the defective pump/associated machinery is also within the class/RO scope and technical acceptability of temporary arrangements requires Class assessment, the vessel may need:

Class acceptance/CoC + Flag dispensation.

Very useful examples: