CLASSIFICATION OF SHIPS AND OFFSHORE UNITS
Providing assurances about vessel safety and reliability

Ship builders and ship owners want to ensure the best possible safety and reliability of their vessels along their whole life cycle. Today, there are many stakeholders who need to know the status of a ship’s structure and machinery: insurers, bankers, charterers, ship crew and passengers, port authorities and communities living in vulnerable coasts where the ship may trade.

What is the classification of ships and offshore units?
Classification consists of a representation of the level of compliance of a ship, vessel or offshore structure to the rules set up by a classification society. This is established following plan approval and surveys carried out by the society’s experts, as provided for in the rules. Ship classification provides a point of reference on ship safety and reliability to shipbuilders, ship repairers, shipbrokers, charterers, Flag Administrations, insurers and the financial community. It is represented by a class, entered on classification certificates and transcribed in the register of ships published periodically by the society.
As one of the leading classification societies in the world, Bureau Veritas establishes and applies rules in relation to the design and construction of a ship, and assesses the structural strength of the ship as well as reliability of the machinery on board during its life.

What are the key benefits?
- Provides a written assurance that the vessel is in compliance with classification standards
- Ensures licence to operate for ship owner
- Contributes to the protection of human life and marine environments