Definitions for "Classification society"
An independent organization that certifies that a ship has been built and maintained according to the organization's rules for that type of ship and complies with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of the ship's registry and the international conventions of which that country is a member. A ship that receives its certification is referred to as being "in-class."
An independent society which certifies that a vessel has been built and maintained in accordance with the rules of such society and complies with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of such vessel and the international conventions of which that country is a member.
An organisation that develops and maintains standards for the construction and upkeep of vessels including their engines and safety equipment. A classification society will carry out regular surveys of all vessels on its register. A ship that complies with all the relevant rules and regulations of a classification society is said to be “in class”.