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- REQUIREMENTS TO REGISTER A CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY IN CAMEROON
Definition of Classification societies in Cameroon
Classification societies in Cameroon are organizations which develop and apply technical standards for the design, construction and survey of ships and which carry out surveys and inspections on board ships.
What is the purpose of a Classification Society in Cameroon?
The purpose of a Classification Society in under Cameroon maritime sector is to provide classification and statutory services and assistance to the maritime industry and regulatory bodies as regards maritime safety and pollution prevention, based on the accumulation of maritime knowledge and technology.
The legal context of Classification societies in Cameroon
The competent maritime authority approves one or more Classification Societies meeting the criteria set out in Resolution No. A739(18) of the International Maritime Organization.
Upon accreditation, an Agreement, in accordance with the model initiated by the International Maritime Organization, between the competent maritime authority in Cameroon and the Company of CEMAC Merchant Navy Code 36 approved classification and specifying, in particular, the obligations which the latter must discharge in the fulfilment of its mandate.
The maritime authority in Cameroon informs IMO of the list of approved classification societies.
The competent maritime authority may mandate an approved classification society to issue and renew international safety and pollution prevention certificates pollution to national ships which are subject to holding such certificates.
The mandate given to the approved classification society does not discharge the maritime authority competent authority of its responsibility in the exercise of control of ships by the State of the flag. This authority remains ultimately responsible for the reliability of the certificates issued.
In accordance with the provisions of the IMO aforementioned, the Companies approved classification societies periodically report on their activity to the maritime authority competent in Cameroon.
Experts from Classification Societies are called upon to be part of the Commissions of safety inspection of vessels under their technical supervision.
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- REGISTRATION PROCESS OF THE CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY IN CAMEROON
The procedure for registering a classification society in Cameroon is accomplished by a corporate attorney through certain steps as will be illustrated below;
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- Register a company in Cameroon,
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- Set up a company head office or a representative office in the case of an already existing mother company,
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- Fulfil the procedure for inspection by the competent authorities of the maritime industry in Cameroon,
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- Fulfil the obligation for inspection of the maritime industry representatives of the mother company head office in view to assess the scope of operations and technical standards of the Mother Company, etc.
After the fulfilment of the above-mentioned steps, the classification society can begin operations in Cameroon.
Article by CHUO ANGABUA JUNIOR
‘’The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. We insist specialist advice be sought depending on your specific circumstance’’
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