Maritime Standards

All nations require certain standards be met by ships and other marine structures which fly their flag

. A classification society, or "Class", is a non-governmental regulatory association which regulates construction of vessels and offshore structures in the maritime industry.

The society is responsible for establishing regulations for the construction and classification of ships and offshore structures. Classification societies make use of ship surveyors, naval architects, and a wide variety of qualified marine engineers.

These experts are charged with overseeing construction and repairs; and conduct mandated surveys of ships currently in service to make sure that standards are properly met. Classes are established to regulate structure and design for all vessel types to promote stability, safety, and cleaner emissions.

To this end, classification societies agree on technical requirements, oversee designs and check calculations to ensure that these rules are upheld. Qualified employees are dispatched to check up on ships and structures throughout construction and commissioning, and periodically survey vessels (including submarines) to ensure that they continue to uphold all standards.

They are also in charge of classing oil rigs, platforms and any other offshore structures. This survey process covers propulsion systems, navigation equipment, pumps, valves, and other equipment.

Many classification societies are in operation around the world. The largest are DNV, (Det Norske Veritas,) Lloyd's Register, Germanischer Lloyd, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, RINA and ABS (the American Bureau of Shipping).

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved proposed changes to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW 95) Convention at a Diplomatic Conference in Manila, Philippines. Acceptance of the amended STCW Convention and its associated Codes means simulators have been formally recognized as a suitable tool for survival craft training.

Virtual Marine Technology, manufacturer of SurvivalQuestTM, is the world's only Det Norske Veritas (DNV) approved survival craft operations simulator.

Maritime Standards

By: Hannah Rosas

POST COMMENT

Are You Getting Huge Paypal Payments For Your Free Paid Surveys? Why Succession Planning Is Critical For Entrepreneurs Know all about the whistleblower's rights Should You Buy A Burial Policy? The Playstation Move Motion Controller 23rd Kaalsarpyog Shanti Yagya Will Be Held On 16th Oct 2010 23rd Baglamukhi Yagya Will Be Held On 28th Nov 2010 Shanidev Shanti Yagya Will Be Held On Shani Amavasya At 6th Nov 2010 Pitra Dosha Nivaran Yagya Anushtaan Will Be Held On 6th Nov To 21th Nov 2010 24th Kaalsarpyog Shanti Yagya Will Be Held On 28th Nov 2010 Funny Things about Men's Ties North Cascades Highway Worth Extra Time Watch Jersey Shore Season 2 Episode 8