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An Introduction to Vessel Classes

Classification societies play a fundamental role in today’s marine industries with the vast majority of commercial ships built to standard. A society will act on behalf of ship owners and builders to ensure high build quality and the safety of a ship’s main structural parts. Classification also provides a point of reference with regard to those who were involved in the supply chain including builders, charterers and insurers.

The process begins at the design phase, focussing heavily on the implementation and manufacture of key components and technical specifications. The standards which must be adhered to are dictated by the regulations of the chosen society and are published as rules, evolving continuously to incorporate emerging market technology and client demand via the advice of highly competent engineers and architects.

All classification societies waive liability for future faults as a surveyor can only record a vessel’s quality at the time of inspection; it is then the responsibility of the ship owner to maintain the vessel and inform the society in the event of damage or structural alteration. Although the surveys are thorough, they do not cover all aspects of a ship’s build and operating service. This can include crew qualifications, navigational aids and manoeuvrability.

There are currently 13 members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), each with a unique set of rules, classification layouts and notations. Five of the biggest classification societies are listed below, along with their identifying signature:

Society
Abbreviation
Symbol
American Bureau of Shipping ABS ✠A1
Bureau Veritas BV I
Lloyd’s Register of Shipping LR ✠100A1
Det Norske Veritas DNV GL ✠1A1




The codes following the society’s standard signature are not interchangeable between organisations, meaning each letter or number will represent a different characteristic for each society. In addition, notations will often need to be checked to ensure they refer to the correct vessel, chapter and section, ranging from High Speed Light Crafts to Passenger Ship. Each code can be broken down to highlight a ship’s capabilities, equipment or restrictions.

For example:

DNV GL 1A1 SF DYNOS-AUTR RP E0 HELDK-SH W1 SBM

DNV GL 1A1= Society, construction symbol and main character of class (assigned to all vessels)

SF= Compliance with damage stability requirements

DYNOS-AUTR = Dynamic Positioning with a redundant DPS and an independent joystick system back-up

RP = Redundant Propulsion

E0= Instrumentation and automation installed to allow for unattended machinery space

HELDK-SH = Helicopter landing area or erected platform covering basic strength requirements and additional requirements to ships safety

W1 = Integrated navigational system

SBM= Management of safety and environment protection in ship operation

Complex characteristics are categorized in varying ways, featuring below are vessels with Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems and those operating under Restricted Service.

DP-capable vessels are categorized differently by each organisation but adhere to the main equipment classes as set out by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). See below for society examples:

Notation
IMO
LR
DNV
ABS
GL
- DP (CM) DYNPOS-AUTS DPS-0 -
Class 1 DP (AM) DYNPOS AUT DPS-1 DP 1
Class 2 DP (AA) DYNPOS AUTR DPS-2 DP 2
Class 3 DP (AAA) DYN POS AUTRO DPS-3 DP 3




Service area restrictions are also listed within classifications, again differing between societies. ABS prefers to write restrictions within text seated in the code, for example:

ABS A1, Ferry, Inter-Island Service

However many will team a notation with a restriction in Nautical Miles (NM):

Society
Notation
Restriction (NM)
DNV Winter Summer
R0 250 No Restriction
R1 100 200
R2 50 100
R3 20 50
R4 5 10
RE Enclosed Waters




Society
Notation
Restriction
GL RSA (200) Trade along the coast, provided that the distance to the nearest port of refuge does not exceed 200nm
RSA (50) Trade along the coast, provided that the distance to the nearest port of refuge does not exceed 50nm
RSA (SW) This area of service is restricted to trade in shoals, bays, haffs and firths or similar waters, where heavy seas do not occur




Due to a growing demand for Installation Vessels (IV), many of the largest classification societies are directing their focus at forming notations for specialised maintenance, repair and installation units. The widening of a ship’s capabilities has meant many societies are now compiling reformed sets of rules to fall in line with developing technical issues and hazards.

With DNV being one of the first societies to recognise the importance of IV Classification, class notations will become an increasingly important part of a commercial vessel’s specification, and ultimately, desirability.

Crew Transfer Vessels

Smaller vessels are categorised differently, adhering to different requirements and statutory regulations. With a heavier focus on passenger numbers and distance of operation from shore, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) outlines guidance for UK vessels (up to 24 metres in length) which are used for charter or commercial use.

MCA Code Category
Area Restriction
Area Category 0 Unrestricted Service
Area Category 1 Up to 150 miles from a safe haven
Area Category 2 Up to 60 miles from a safe haven
Area Category 3 Up to 20 miles from a safe haven
Area Category 4 Up to 20 miles from a safe haven, in favourable weather and in daylight
Area Category 5 To sea within 20 miles from a nominated departure point named in the certificate in favourable weather and daylight
Area Category 6 To sea within 3 miles from a nominated departure point(s) named in the certificate and never more than 3 miles from land, in favourable weather and daylight




Crew Transfer Vessels are playing a progressively crucial role in the operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms, transferring thousands of technicians to various locations around the world.