edition of its IACS Blue Book.The latest release of the Blue Book package continues to enhance IACS technical support to the shipping
industry through our work and investment in technology, innovation, research and development both at the
classification and statutory levels.The Blue Book is an electronic library of technical resolutions adopted by IACS as a result of its technical
work and provides an example of how the aims and objectives of the Association are delivered for the
benefit of international shipping. It contains• IACS “Unified Requirements” which IACS members incorporate into their Rules
• “Unified Interpretations” of IMO convention requirements which IACS Members apply uniformly when
acting on behalf of authorizing flag Administrations, unless instructed otherwise
• “Procedural Requirements” governing practices among IACS Members
• “IACS Charter” and “IACS Procedures” which define the purpose, aim and working procedures of the
Association
• “Recommendations” relating to adopted resolutions that are not necessarily matters of Class but which
IACS considers would be helpful to offer some advice to the marine industry
• “UR – Unified Requirements Status” advising on implementation status
• HF & TB for UR, UI, PR & Rec. containing the History and Technical Background files for the Unified
Requirements, Unified Interpretations, Procedural Requirements and Recommendations
• “Quality Documents” containing QSCS (IACS’ Quality System Certification Scheme) description,
Quality Management System Requirements, Audit Requirements, ACB (Accredited Certification Bodies)
requirements and other quality procedures
The latest version of the Blue Book is available for downloading from the IACS website at www.iacs.
org.uk/publications. Ship Designers, Consultants, Shipbuilders, Classification Societies, Ship-owners,
Shipbrokers, Insurers, Associations, Accredited Certification Bodies, flag States, Port State Control, MOUs
and the shipping industry at large are able to download the package free of charge at any time.—
Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General
E: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7976 0660
Notes to Editors:
Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (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.
More information about IACS can be found by visiting www.iacs.org.uk.
International Association of Classification Societies
Permanent Secretariat 6th Floor 36 Broadway London SW1H 0BH UK E: permsec@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660 www.iacs.org.uk
