Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, IACS makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.
IACS is an association of Classification Societies which:
- establishes, reviews, promotes and develops minimum technical requirements1 in relation to the design, construction, maintenance and survey of ships and other marine related facilities.
- acts as a catalyst to assist international regulatory bodies and standard organisations to develop, amend and interpret regulations and industry standards in ship design, construction and management, with a view to improving safety at sea and the prevention of marine pollution.
- provides a Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS) that its Members shall comply with, as an assurance of professional integrity and maintenance of high professional standards.
IACS has a wide perspective on relevant matters through monitoring the developments in EU legislation related to shipping safety and environmental performance in addition to its technical advisory role to the IMO and its interaction with the industry and flag states. IACS technical representatives can therefore bring cross-cutting knowledge and experience from one forum to another.
Values guiding IACS’ support to regulators and industry
The support that IACS can offer to regulators, e.g. IMO and ILO, and the industry relates to the following values:
Leadership: ability to be ahead and co-operate with regulators and industry on initiatives that can effectively promote maritime safety, protection of the environment and sustainability, provide practical real-world guidance to regulators and industry, and appropriately address maritime safety and environmental concerns.
Technical knowledge: the collective and individual knowledge and experience gained from the class cycle to enable the development, adoption and implementation of technical rules and minimum requirements as well as interpretations of statutory instruments, that reflect current practice and changing demands of the society, supporting innovation and new technologies.
Quality performance: commitment of Members to define and adhere to the highestglobal quality standards, through rigorous application of the IACS QSCS and through actual performance proved by appropriate key performance indicators.
Transparency: the ability to openly communicate regarding the concept of class, its vital role and its quality standards, as well as provide advice on the implementation of regulations, interpretations or enhancements thereof, if need is identified, so that practical solutions can be effectively developed in cooperation and with the support of other stakeholders, increasing the trust on class.
*Image sourced from freepik.com
