Overview
CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES IN CAMEROON 2023
.Tasks of classification societies
• Classification on behalf of the ship-owner
• Authorization by flag states
• Tasks on behalf of the Cameroon flag state
Tasks of classification societies
Classification societies are private companies acting as technical experts in ship safety. The tasks of classification societies, often referred to as „classes“, are twofold:
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- Classification on behalf of the ship-owner
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- Performance of statutory tasks on behalf of flag states.
Classification on behalf of the ship-owner
The original role of classification societies is to check a ship for compliance with its own class rules. On behalf of the ship-owner classification societies certify compliance with such rules as regards type, construction, equipment, maintenance, and surveys of ships. Class surveyors inspect ships at regular intervals. If a ship complies with the class rules, „class“ is assigned with the issuance of class certificates. The purpose of the class is the evaluation of the ship’s properties about sales of ships and insurance of ships and cargoes. The class also reflects the seaworthiness of a ship and establishes the range of service. All seagoing ships operating as passenger ships or cargo ships must be classified.
Authorization by flag states
In many states, classification societies perform statutory duties concerning ship safety on behalf of flag state administrations. In this context classification societies ensure compliance with statutory instruments, i. e. the technical safety requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) (so-called statutory instruments), and issue international ship safety certificates.
The scope of authorization differs from state to state. Some flag states delegate nearly all of their tasks to classification societies, while others, e.g. Cameroon, only delegate individual, narrowly defined duties.
Cameroon flag states may only delegate their responsibility for ship surveys to classification societies that are recognized by the Cameroon maritime authority. Each flag state chooses from these classification societies and their scope of authorization. Only the institutions chosen by the flag state may act as a „Recognized Organization“(RO) on its behalf. In the context of security, additional provisions apply. Here, classification societies act as “Recognized Security Organizations” (RSOs).
Tasks of classification societies performed on behalf of the Cameroon flag state
The main tasks of authorized classification societies on Cameroon-flagged ships are as follows:
• Pre-examination of construction drawings and documents,
• Surveys of ships, especially abroad,
• Issuance of interim certificates and preliminary documents.
The recognized classification societies work in the following areas for the German flag:
• ship safety and protection of the marine environment (SOLAS, ISM, Load Line, MARPOL),
• navigational and radio equipment,
• Security (ISPS),
• Maritime labour law.
A classification society may only work on the flag state’s behalf if it has been authorized by the Cameroon flag state administration for the individual area. When a classification society has been authorized, a class surveyor does not need individual permission from the administration.
Article by CHUO ANGABUA JUNIOR
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