How u get class for ship

Answer

To get Class for a ship, the owner applies to a Classification Society and the ship must be shown to comply with that society’s Rules.

For a new ship, the usual sequence is:

1. Owner selects Class society — e.g. IRS, DNV, LR, ABS, ClassNK.
2. Application for classification is submitted.
3. Plans and calculations are approved — hull structure, machinery, electrical, piping, stability-related class items, etc.
4. Ship is constructed under Class survey at the shipyard.
5. Class surveyors inspect materials, welding, machinery installation, pressure tests, NDT, trials, safety-related class items, etc.
6. Sea trials and machinery trials are satisfactorily completed.
7. Any outstanding deficiencies are closed.
8. Class assigns the ship its Class notation and issues the Certificate of Class.

If an existing vessel is unclassed or is transferring from one Classification Society to another (e.g., under IACS Procedural Requirement PR1A), the owner must undergo a structured intake process:

• Step 1: Application & Plan Submission The shipowner submits a formal application along with the ship's plans (capacity plans, midship section, shell expansion, machinery arrangement, piping diagrams) and historical survey records (previous class survey reports, thickness measurement reports, and defect history).

• Step 2: Document & Records Audit The receiving Class reviews the vessel’s past survey status, outstanding recommendations, and structural maintenance history to establish the baseline survey scope.

• Step 3: Initial / Entry Survey (Physical Inspection) A comprehensive physical inspection is conducted by Class surveyors, which includes:

  • Hull & Structural Survey: Thorough internal/external examination of cargo holds, ballast tanks, void spaces, and hull plating (including ultrasonic gauging if required).

  • Machinery & Electrical Survey: Operational testing of main/auxiliary engines, steering gear, switchboards, safety shutdowns, emergency power, and bilge systems.

  • Bottom Inspection: In-water survey (IWS) or dry-dock inspection to evaluate the underwater hull, sea chests, rudder clearances, and tailshaft.

• Step 4: Certificate Issuance Once all required surveys are completed and any identified deficiencies are repaired or assigned as formal Conditions of Class (Recommendations), the vessel enters the new society's register and is issued a Certificate of Class.

To remain “in Class,” the ship must complete:

• Annual surveys
• Intermediate surveys
• Special/Renewal surveys
• Docking/IWS surveys as applicable
• Machinery surveys
• All Conditions of Class within due dates

If these are overdue or serious deficiencies remain, Class may be suspended or withdrawn.