Excellence begins with a common understanding
Building and operating motor and sailing yachts demands excellence. As your classification partner DNV has the global reach, innovative outlook and service expertise to realize your vision.
The growing emphasis on size, speed and performance, passenger comfort and sustainability present a significant technical challenge to naval architects and engineers. Our experience and expertise in all structural and safety matters speaks for itself; we have been examining and checking the design and construction of yachts to the full satisfaction of customers for many years.
The hallmarks of our yacht expertise are flexibility and impartiality. We have the know-how to support the special wishes of owners and we provide independent, third-party advice to supplement design and construction. Our ability to handle complexity is second to none, applying strict standards to the most technically demanding projects. A DNV Classification, Construction or Safety Certificate brings peace of mind for all stakeholders.
One-stop shop
DNV class certificates are only awarded for yachts meeting the highest safety standards. DNV classification promises better value for money when purchasing a yacht, higher safety standards at sea and may also lead to a better resale value.
Our comprehensive examination process covers everything from design drawings, construction supervision, use of DNV-tested or -approved materials and components, DNV-approved production methods and surveillance, proof of workshop qualifications (e.g. FRP), qualifications of yard personnel and DNV surveys at five-year intervals.
DNV’s long expertise in passenger ships and high-speed craft is also beneficial in carrying out noise and vibration analyses so that living and sleeping quarters offer the same degree of comfort whether a yacht is moored or underway.
Trusted certification
DNV provides a certification service for hulls, rigs and series constructions to the same high standards as DNV classification. Many flag states require no or only limited certification for private/non-commercial yachts, however regulatory requirements are more complex for yachts of more than 24 metres.
- Statutory certification: We serve as a recognized organization (RO) for all major yacht codes.
- Hull construction certificate: We can test and approve FRP, steel, aluminium and wood, as well as relevant manufacturing procedures.
- Masts and rigging: DNV was the first to introduce guidelines for approving large sailing rigs on modern yachts. Some insurance companies now demand DNV certification of carbon FRP rigs.
- Series construction: DNV systematically examines and tests the hull, rigging, machinery, electrical installations and closing appliances of a series prototype before issuing a class certificate.
- CE certification: Yachts of between 2.5 and 24 metres in length are certified on the basis of the EC Directive 94/25/EC (CE certification).
- ISAF certification: DNV is a notified body for certification of structural integrity of racing yachts below and above 24 metres of hull length.
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