This subpart establishes criteria and procedures for vessel classification societies to obtain recognition from the Coast Guard. This recognition is necessary in order for a classification society to become authorized to perform vessel inspection and certification functions delegated by the Coast Guard as described in this part.

This subpart applies to all vessel classification societies seeking recognition by the Coast Guard.

(a) A classification society must be recognized by the Commandant before it may receive statutory authority delegated by the Coast Guard.

(b) In order to become recognized, a classification society must meet the requirements of § 8.230.

(c) A classification society found to meet the criteria for recognition will be notified in writing by the Commandant.

(d) If the Coast Guard determines that a classification society does not meet the criteria for recognition, the Coast Guard will provide the reason for this determination.

(e) A classification society may reapply for recognition upon correction of the deficiencies identified by the Coast Guard.

(a) In order to receive recognition by the Coast Guard a classification society must:

(1) Establish that it has functioned as an international classification society for at least 30 years with its own class rules;

(2) Establish that is has a history of appropriate corrective actions in addressing vessel casualties and cases of nonconformity with class rules;

(3) Establish that it has a history of appropriate changes to class rules based on their application and the overall performance of its classed fleet;

(4) Have a total classed tonnage of at least 10 million gross tons;

(5) Have a classed fleet of at least 1,500 ocean-going vessels over 100 gross tons;

(6) Have a total classed tonnage of ocean-going vessels over 100 gross tons totaling no less than 8 million gross tons;

(7) Publish and maintain class rules in the English language for the design, construction and certification of ships and their associated essential engineering systems;

(8) Maintain written survey procedures in the English language;

(9) Have adequate resources, including research, technical, and managerial staff, to ensure appropriate updating and maintaining of class rules and procedures;

(10) Have adequate resources and geographical coverage to carry out all plan review and vessel survey activities associated with delegated functions as well as classification society requirements;

(11) Employ a minimum of 150 exclusive surveyors;

(12) Have adequate criteria for hiring and qualifying surveyors and technical staff;

(13) Have an adequate program for continued training of surveyors and technical staff;

(14) Have a corporate office in the United States that provides a continuous management and administrative presence;

(15) Maintain an internal quality system based on ANSI/ASQC Q9001 or an equivalent quality standard;

(16) Determine classed vessels comply with class rules, during appropriate surveys and inspection;

(17) Determine that attended vessels comply with all statutory requirements related to delegated functions, during appropriate surveys and inspection;

(18) Monitor all activities related to delegated functions for consistency and required end-results;

(19) Maintain and ensure compliance with a Code of Ethics that recognizes the inherent responsibility associated with delegation of authority;

(20) Not be under the financial control of shipowners or shipbuilders, or of others engaged commercially in the manufacture, equipping, repair or operation of ships;

(21) Not be financially dependent on a single commercial enterprise for its revenue;

(22) Not have any business interest in, or share of ownership of, any vessel in its classed fleet; and

(23) Not be involved in any activities which could result in a conflict of interest.

(b) Recognition may be granted after it is established that the classification society has an acceptable record of vessel detentions attributed to classification society performance under the Coast Guard Port State Control Program.

(a) A classification society must apply for recognition in writing to the Commandant (CG-ENG).

(b) An application must indicate which specific authority the classification society seeks to have delegated.

(c) Upon verification from the Coast Guard that the conditions of reciprocity have been met in accordance with § 8.120, the requesting classification society must submit documentation to establish that it meets the requirements of § 8.230.

(a) Classification society class rules will only be accepted as equivalent to Coast Guard regulatory standards when that classification society has received authorization to conduct a related delegated function.

(b) A recognized classification society may not conduct any delegated function under this title until it receives a separate written authorization from the Commandant to conduct that specific function.

A recognized classification society which fails to maintain the minimum standards established in this part will be reevaluated and its recognized status revoked if warranted.