Certification of materials and components

Ship classification is mandatory because:

• Flag states depend on class to issue statutory certificates.
• Ports and canals require classed ships.
• Insurance companies require valid class.
• Commercial charters require class.
• Banks require class for financing.
• The shipping industry uses class as a safety benchmark.

Ship classification is legally optional, but commercially indispensable. In real-life operations, a ship cannot trade without classification.

We also provide: approval of manufacturers, approval of service suppliers, welding technology approval, additive manufacturing certification, underwater verification and certification services, as well as certification according to the EU Marine Equipment Directive and the UK Marine Equipment Regulation.

Typical products include:

• Safety-critical equipment (valves, pumps, fire doors, CO₂ systems)
• Hull materials (steel plates, profiles, welding consumables)
• Machinery components (engines, gearboxes, shafting)
• Electrical and automation systems
• Navigation and communication equipment
• Pressure vessels and piping components

Type approval:

• Confirms that a product design meets class rules
• Is based on testing, design assessment, and documentation review
• Applies to series production

Product certification:

• Confirms that the individual delivered product meets requirements
• Includes manufacturing assessment, inspections, testing and documentation control

In short, type approval verifies the design, while product certification verifies the product delivered.

A surveyor may:

• Witness pressure tests, load tests and functional tests
• Verify material traceability and manufacturing processes
• Review certificates and documentation
• Confirm that production follows the approved design
• Issue a certificate or endorse a manufacturer’s certificate

The surveyor ensures the product meets rule requirements and is suitable for installation on a classed vessel.