Alternative certification process for control and monitoring systems
This news describes an alternative certification scheme for control and monitoring systems that do not meet the criteria of the conventional certification process.
Information for: Design offices, shipyards, suppliers and manufacturers.
Product certification
A product certificate (PC) gives assurance that a system delivered to a vessel is compliant with the applicable DNV rules.
The procedure for product certification consists of:
- An assessment of manufacturer documentation
- A survey at the manufacturer, including witnessing of tests
- The issuance of the PC if the system is deemed compliant
The conventional product certification process requires that testing be carried out on the actual hardware and software intended for installation on board. Consequently, the system design, including all hardware and software components, must be fully completed before the survey takes place.
Type approval of the main components in control systems is mandatory. This confirms that the hardware is approved for installation in a maritime environment. However, a type approval certificate (TAC) does not replace the requirement for a PC. Please note that type approval in accordance with other class and non-class requirements is a voluntary option.
Alternative certification process
It is recognized that some control system deliveries cannot follow the conventional certification scheme. Such deliveries may be characterized by the following:
- The system is divided into subsystems delivered from multiple locations.
- The shipyard requests delivery of the system cabinets before the certification is completed.
- It is not possible to demonstrate full compliance due to limitations in test facilities.
An alternative certification process may be accepted if described in a project-specific delivery plan, which enables DNV to determine the activities needed to complete the product certification.
The manufacturer shall submit the project‑specific delivery plan to DNV after all the relevant stakeholders, including system integrators, have been informed of and agree to it. The following information should be included:
- Planned documentation transmittal(s), incl. the responsibilities for submitting the information
- Time, location and description of test activities
- Description of the testing environment, incl. the use of replica hardware and simulators
- Planned activities to ensure successful integration of subsystems and other equipment
- Identification of any tests that must be postponed until after installation on board
If the system must be installed and tested on board before the PC can be issued, DNV will issue a report of incomplete certification (RIC) that lists the outstanding verification items or on-board tests needed to complete certification. The on-board tests must address the remaining RIC items and may involve failure‑mode tests that exceed what is normally included in quay and sea trials. Once the planned certification activities have been successfully completed, the PC will be issued.
Recommendation
For suppliers of systems who follow the alternative certification process, we recommend ensuring that all involved stakeholders are informed about the delivery plan and collaborate to carry out the product certification activities in accordance with the needs and expectations of the shipyard.
