A series of measures to further strengthen IACS’ Quality offering were among a number of initiatives taken forward at C76
(London) – The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has focused on Quality issues at its biannual meeting held in London this week. Building on recent work done to revise the IACS Membership Criteria, agreement was reached to revise IACS internal benchmarking criteria for existing members along with an initiative to investigate ways to further strengthen the practical implementation of QSCS including the oversight exercised by the IACS Operations Centre.
These initiatives, supported by a number of internal changes, reflect the IACS’ Chairman’s avowed commitment made at the start of his tenure to ensuring Quality matters remain central to IACS ethos and operations.
Commenting after C76, IACS Chairman Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen said:
“In this successful Council meeting, IACS members have once again demonstrated a clear commitment to the key values that drive IACS activities: Quality, Transparency, Technical Knowledge and Leadership. By agreeing to a series of concrete actions that build on these values, IACS once again reaffirms its centrality to the maritime industry and the added value it provides.”
Staying on Quality matters, C76 agreed four key Focus Areas for the ACB audits of IACS members in 2018 on the ISM Code, Conditions of Class/Recommendations, Risk Management and Training & Competence.
The IACS Council also supported another of the Chairman’s commitments, transparency, by agreeing to include in the Annual Report the provision of key industry statistics and establishing new procedures for the proactive distribution to industry partners and interested stakeholders of IACS Resolutions.
In terms of modernising Class, C76 noted the good progress made in reviewing IACS Resolutions to identify areas for revision that will facilitate the development and implementation of new technologies, including ship autonomy.
IACS Council continues to oversee, promote and support work related to the International Maritime Organization, including ongoing work relating to the clearing of observations on the IMO’s Goal Based Standards programme for oil tankers and bulk carriers and to delivering on the focus areas (GBS, cyber and GISIS improvements) annexed to the established IMO/IACS Memorandum of Agreement.
After Council 76 concluded, IACS also hosted its traditional high-level meeting with industry where a range of topical issues were discussed including work related to low sulphur fuels in preparation for the 2020 sulphur cap, cyber safety, and further industry collaboration in the context of the initiatives agreed at Tripartite earlier this year.
Ends
Media contact – IACS:
Contact: Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General
E: robertashdown@iacs.org.uk T: +44 (0) 20 7976 0660
International Association of Classification Societies
Permanent Secretariat 6th Floor 36 Broadway London SW1H 0BH UK
T: +44 (0)20 7976 0660 www.iacs.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
- Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world’s cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance Rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.
- More information about IACS can be found by visiting org.uk and in our Annual Review available online at http://www.iacs.org.uk/about/iacs-annual-review-2016/