Coast Guard proposes procedures to review classification societies

Coast Guard proposes procedures to review classification societies    The U.S. Coast Guard has announced procedures it will use to review classification societies seeking approval to perform certain functions for vessels.
   Under the 2004 Coast Guard Maritime Transportation Authorization Act, vessel classification societies after Jan. 1, may not perform certain functions for ships unless the societies have been approved by the Coast Guard, or are members of the International Association of Classification Societies.
   To become a 'recognized organization' or RO, a society must satisfy the Coast Guard that its business practices are aligned with the standards of Resolution A.739[18] of the International Maritime Organization.
   'The RO is required to publish and systematically maintain rules, be professionally staffed with strategically placed resources for geographic coverage, maintain a high level of professional ethics, be competent, provide timely and quality services, and maintain an internal quality system no less effective than ISO 9000 series certification,' the Coast Guard said.
   Also, vessels surveyed by the classification society must have an adequate safety record. In addition, the society must make ship safety records available via electronic means, both to the Coast Guard to other classification societies, and have a program to request records from other societies that previously surveyed a vessel.
   Public comment on the proposed procedures should be sent to the Coast Guard by Jan. 3. Classification societies may request review and approval by writing to the Coast Guard Commandant [G-MSE], 2100 Second Street S.W., Washington, D.C., 20593-0001.
   For more information, contact William Peters in the Coast Guard's Office of Design and Engineering Standards, (202) 267-2988, e-mail wpeters@comdt.uscg.mil.