Unified Interpretations

Definition

Unified Interpretations are adopted resolutions on matters arising from implementing the requirements of IMO Conventions or Recommendations. Such adopted resolutions can involve uniform interpretations of Convention Regulations or IMO Resolutions on those matters which in the Convention are left to the satisfaction of the Administration or vaguely worded.

Interpretations are circulated to Administrations concerned or are sent to IMO for information, as appropriate.

Foreword

• • IACS, as an international Non-Governmental Organization having observer status at IMO, works in co-operation with IMO in order to endeavour that regulations developed at IMO are clear, unambiguous and can easily be applied without the need of interpretations.

• • However, interpretations may still be needed in cases where IMO regulations contain only functional requirements, allow alternative solutions to prescriptive requirements, are left to the satisfaction of Administrations or are generally or vaguely worded.

• • The following Unified Interpretations (UIs) have been developed by IACS to assist the unified implementation of IMO regulations falling in the above-mentioned cases. It should be noted that the development of IACS Unified Interpretations (UIs) is not aiming at introducing additional requirements but at achieving uniform application of IMO regulations.

• • IACS UIs are to be applied by IACS Societies to ships whose flag Administrations have not issued definite instructions on the interpretation of the IMO regulations concerned, in the course of statutory certification on behalf of those flag Administrations.