| All nations require certain standards be met by | | | | To this end, classification societies agree on |
| ships and other marine structures which fly their | | | | technical requirements, oversee designs and check |
| flag. A classification society, or "Class", is a | | | | calculations to ensure that these rules are upheld. |
| non-governmental regulatory association which | | | | Qualified employees are dispatched to check up |
| regulates construction of vessels and offshore | | | | on ships and structures throughout construction |
| structures in the maritime industry. | | | | and commissioning, and periodically survey vessels |
| The society is responsible for establishing | | | | (including submarines) to ensure that they |
| regulations for the construction and classification | | | | continue to uphold all standards. |
| of ships and offshore structures. Classification | | | | They are also in charge of classing oil rigs, |
| societies make use of ship surveyors, naval | | | | platforms and any other offshore structures. This |
| architects, and a wide variety of qualified marine | | | | survey process covers propulsion systems, |
| engineers. | | | | navigation equipment, pumps, valves, and other |
| These experts are charged with overseeing | | | | equipment. |
| construction and repairs; and conduct mandated | | | | Many classification societies are in operation |
| surveys of ships currently in service to make | | | | around the world. The largest are DNV, (Det |
| sure that standards are properly met. Classes are | | | | Norske Veritas,) Lloyd's Register, Germanischer |
| established to regulate structure and design for all | | | | Lloyd, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, RINA and ABS (the |
| vessel types to promote stability, safety, and | | | | American Bureau of Shipping). |
| cleaner emissions. | | | | |
