Class & Certification Overview

Class and certification are fundamental components of ensuring maritime safety, operational integrity, and compliance with international standards. Classification societies provide independent verification that vessels meet essential structural and safety standards, while certification ensures adherence to international maritime regulations. At Oceean Xpert, we offer expert guidance and services to help shipowners and operators navigate the complexities of class and certification processes, ensuring that your vessels are safe, compliant, and ready for global operations.

Why Class & Certification are Important

• Safety Assurance: Class certification verifies that a vessel's structure, machinery, and equipment comply with safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall safety at sea.
• Regulatory Compliance: Certification ensures that vessels meet international regulations such as SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), MARPOL (Marine Pollution), and ISM (International Safety Management) codes, allowing for smooth global operations.
• Operational Efficiency: A certified vessel is recognized worldwide, facilitating port entry, cargo handling, and other operational activities, reducing delays and ensuring efficient maritime operations.
• Insurance and Liability: Insurance providers often require class and certification as a condition for coverage, as it demonstrates that a vessel is maintained to high standards.

Our Class & Certification Services

• Classification Services: We assist in obtaining classification for your vessel from recognized classification societies such as DNV, ABS, Lloyd's Register, and others. This involves regular surveys and inspections to ensure the vessel continues to meet the standards set by the society.
• Statutory Certification: Oceean Xpert offers services to help you acquire the necessary statutory certificates required by international conventions, including:
  • Safety Certificates (SOLAS): Such as the International Ship Safety Certificate (ISSC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC).
  • Pollution Prevention Certificates (MARPOL): Including International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) and International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) certificates.
  • Load Line Certificate: Certifying the vessel's load line marks and compliance with the International Load Line Convention.
  • Tonnage Certificate: Verifying the vessel's gross and net tonnage as per the International Tonnage Convention (ITC).
• ISM and ISPS Code Compliance: We assist in achieving and maintaining compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, including the development of safety and security management systems.
• Annual and Periodic Surveys: Our team coordinates with classification societies to conduct required surveys and inspections, ensuring that your vessel remains in compliance with class and statutory requirements throughout its operational life.
• Document of Compliance (DOC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC): We guide companies through the process of obtaining and renewing these critical documents, which are essential for the legal operation of vessels.

The Class & Certification Process

• Initial Assessment: Our experts assess your vessel and operational requirements to determine the most suitable classification society and the necessary certifications.
• Preparation and Documentation: We help prepare all necessary documents and technical drawings required for class approval and certification.
• Survey and Inspection Coordination: We coordinate with classification societies to schedule and facilitate surveys and inspections, ensuring a smooth process.
• Compliance and Rectification: If any deficiencies are identified during the inspection, we provide guidance on corrective actions to ensure compliance.
• Certification Issuance: Upon successful completion of the survey, the classification society issues the necessary class certificates and statutory documents.
• Ongoing Maintenance: We offer support for the ongoing maintenance of class and certification, including renewal surveys and updating certifications as regulations change.

Benefits of Choosing Oceean Xpert for Class & Certification

• Expert Guidance: Our team has extensive knowledge of classification societies and international maritime regulations, providing you with expert advice and support.
• Comprehensive Service: From initial classification to ongoing certification management, we offer a full range of services to ensure your vessel remains compliant and operational.
• Global Reach: We work with all major classification societies and have the expertise to handle class and certification needs for vessels operating worldwide.
• Streamlined Process: Our streamlined process and industry relationships ensure that class and certification are obtained efficiently, minimizing downtime and operational delays.