IACS values greatly its role as the principal technical advisor to the IMO and the advice, expertise and experience of IACS’ twelve Members is always available both to the Organization and the wider maritime industry in pursuit of shared objectives of cleaner and safer shipping.
In terms of the Purposes and Aims of IACS, the IACS Charter states that IACS “assists international regulatory bodies and standard organisations to develop, implement and interpret statutory regulations and industry standards in ship design, construction and maintenance, with a view to improving safety at sea and the prevention of marine pollution“.
Having received its consultative status as a non-governmental international organization at the IMO in 1969 (one year after establishment of IACS), for over 50 years IACS has been working actively and consistently in support of the IMO on areas of regulatory development within the scope of classification societies and recognized organizations in pursuance of its mission and that of the IMO.
The recognition of the synergies of the scope of IACS and the IMO can be found in the statutory regulations, which were adopted in key IMO instruments:
SOLAS, regulation II-1/3-1 on structural, mechanical and electrical requirements for ships
“In addition to the requirements contained elsewhere in the present regulations, ships shall be designed, constructed and maintained in compliance with the structural, mechanical and electrical requirements of a classification society which is recognized by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of regulation XI-1/1, or with applicable national standards of the Administration which provide an equivalent level of safety.”
SOLAS, regulation II-1/3-10 on goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers
“3 The requirements of paragraphs 2 to 2.5 shall be achieved through satisfying applicable structural requirements of an organization which is recognized by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of regulation XI-1/1, or national standards of the Administration, conforming to the functional requirements of the Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers.”.
LL Annex B, Annex 1, Chapter I, Regulation 1 on strength and intact stability of ships
“(2) A ship which is designed, constructed and maintained in compliance with the appropriate requirements of an organization, including a classification society, which is recognized by the Administration or with applicable national standards of the Administration in accordance with the provisions of regulation 2-1, may be considered to provide an acceptable level of strength. The above provisions shall apply to all structures, equipment and fittings covered by this annex for which standards for strength and construction are not expressly provided.”.