Class & Flag Survey: Do you know the difference?
For ships, safety is paramount. To ensure that ships are safe to operate, there are two types of surveys that are required by international law: classification surveys and flag state surveys. These surveys are conducted by different entities and serve different purposes. In this article, we will explore the differences between classification surveys and flag state surveys.
Classification Survey
A classification society is a non-governmental organization that provides technical and other services to the maritime industry. The purpose of a classification society is to ensure that ships are designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with established safety standards. Lloyds Register is one of the world's leading classification societies and has been in operation since 1760.
A classification survey is carried out by a classification society like Lloyds Registry, Registro Italiano Navale (RINA), Det Norske Veritas (DNV) amongst many. The purpose of the survey is to ensure that the ship is in compliance with the relevant safety standards set by the classification society. These standards cover a wide range of areas, including the structural integrity of the ship, its machinery, and its electrical systems. The survey is carried out at various stages of the ship's life, including during its construction, and periodically throughout its service life.
During the classification survey, the surveyor will inspect the ship's systems, equipment, and documentation to ensure that they meet the standards set by the classification society. The surveyor will also carry out tests and measurements to verify that the ship is in compliance with the standards.
Flag State Survey
The flag state is the country in which a ship is registered. The flag state has the responsibility to ensure that the ship is in compliance with international maritime laws and regulations. An example of a flag state authority would be the MCA who are flag state authority for ships registered in the United Kingdom, in Bermuda it is The Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority (BSMA), each state will have their own authority to survey registered vessels.
A flag state survey is carried out by the flag state authority, such as the MCA. The purpose of the survey is to ensure that the ship is in compliance with the international conventions that the flag state has ratified. These conventions cover a wide range of areas, including safety, pollution prevention, and crew working conditions. The survey is carried out periodically, usually every five years.
During the flag state survey, the surveyor will inspect the ship's equipment, documentation, and crew working conditions to ensure that they meet the requirements of the relevant conventions. The surveyor will also carry out tests and measurements to verify that the ship is in compliance with the conventions.
Differences between Classification Survey and Flag State Survey
The main differences between a classification survey and a flag state survey are:
The purpose of the survey: A classification survey is carried out to ensure that the ship is in compliance with the standards set by the classification society, while a flag state survey is carried out to ensure that the ship is in compliance with the international conventions that the flag state has ratified.
The entity conducting the survey: A classification survey is carried out by a classification society, while a flag state survey is carried out by the flag state authority.
The scope of the survey: A classification survey covers a wide range of areas, including the structural integrity of the ship, its machinery, and its electrical systems. A flag state survey covers a narrower range of areas, focusing mainly on safety, pollution prevention, and crew working conditions.
The frequency of the survey: A classification survey is carried out periodically throughout the ship's life, while a flag state survey is carried out every five years.
Delegated Authorities
Flag states are responsible for ensuring that ships registered under their flag comply with international maritime laws and regulations. However, flag states may not always have the capacity or expertise to carry out all the required inspections and surveys themselves. In such cases, they may appoint a classification society as a Delegated Authority to conduct surveys on their behalf.
A Delegated Authority is an organization authorized by a flag state to carry out specific tasks, such as inspections and surveys, on its behalf. The classification society, acting as a Delegated Authority, carries out surveys and inspections in accordance with the flag state's requirements and international regulations. This allows flag states to delegate some of their responsibilities to a trusted third party while still maintaining overall control and oversight.
The use of classification surveyors as Delegated Authorities benefits flag states in several ways. Firstly, it allows them to leverage the expertise of the classification society, which has extensive experience and knowledge in ship surveying and classification. Secondly, it can reduce the workload of the flag state's own surveyors, freeing them up to focus on other tasks. Thirdly, it can help to ensure that surveys are carried out consistently and to a high standard, as classification societies have their own set of rules and standards that are widely recognized and respected in the industry.
However, it is important to note that flag states remain ultimately responsible for ensuring that ships registered under their flag comply with international regulations. Therefore, they must ensure that their Delegated Authorities, such as classification societies, are properly authorized and monitored to carry out surveys on their behalf. Additionally, flag states must review and approve all survey reports and take appropriate actions to ensure that any deficiencies identified during surveys are addressed in a timely manner.
For further reading go ahead and visit: the International Association of Classification Societies, UK Ship Register, Lloyd’s