The advantages a DNV Classification, Construction or Safety Certificate brings will be appreciated for many years after a yacht first takes to the water:
- Peace of mind: Safety is a serious business – DNV is one of the world’s most thorough classification societies.
- Flexibility: Owners have many different wishes – DNV has a breadth of know-how to support their implementation.
- Complexity: The more technically demanding a modern yacht is, the more reassuring it is to know strict standards are being met.
- Impartiality: DNV provides owners with independent, third-party advice and expertise to accompany the design and construction of a new yacht.
What DNV has to offer
DNV is your one-stop shop for a broad spectrum of classification and certification services. Hulls, masts and rigging – all can be verified and certified by DNV.
A DNV class certificate is only awarded if a motor or sailing yacht meets the highest safety standards.
Our comprehensive examination process covers:
- Examination of design drawings
- Ongoing supervision of construction process
- 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
- DNV surveys at five year intervals
DNV classification not only promises better value for money when purchasing a yacht and higher safety standards at sea but may also lead to a better resale value.
DNV services
DNV provides a certification service for hulls, rigs and series constructions to the same high standards as DNV classification. The benefits are just as clear. For yachts of more than 24 metres, the regulatory requirements are more complex. However, many flag states require no or only limited certification for private/non-commercial yachts.
- Statutory certification: DNV is appointed as a recognized organization for all major yacht codes.
- Hull construction certificate: FRP, steel, aluminium or wood – DNV has the expertise to test and approve these materials as well as the relevant manufacturing procedures.
- Masts and rigging: DNV is the first society to have introduced guidelines for approving large sailing rigs on modern yachts – with a particular focus on carbonfibre reinforced polymer masts. The benefits are seen in confirmation of structural integrity and service reliability. Some insurance companies now demand DNV certification of carbon FRP rigs.
- Series construction: DNV examines and tests the hull, rigging, machinery, electrical installations and closing appliances of a series prototype before issuing a class certificate. With series production also subject to systematic supervision, both yard and future owner benefit from DNV’s thoroughness.
- 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). These services are available for all certification modules.
- ISAF certification: All racing yacht sailing under ISAF provisions in Categories 0, 1 and 2 are obliged to provide plan review certification of structural integrity. DNV is a notified body for certification of racing yachts below and above 24 metres of hull length.
DNV expertise
Passenger comfort is very important for yachts. Here, DNV’s expertise in the field of passenger ships and high-speed craft is particularly 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 in a harbour or sailing the high seas.
