classification society
Quick Summary
A classification society is an organization that establishes and maintains technical standards for the construction and maintenance of ships and other marine vessels. These societies, such as Lloyd's Register of Shipping, began as registries for ships seeking marine insurance. They publish rules for ship design and periodically survey vessels to ensure compliance, which is often a requirement for insurability.123
The primary functions of classification societies include:
* Establishing construction and maintenance standards for merchant ships.2
* Providing technical services to owners to help them meet these standards.2
* Publishing registers that list ships and their essential features.1
* Issuing statistical summaries on shipbuilding, fleets, and marine casualties.2
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