ClassNK: Rules for ship security and safety management systems

The Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has published the Rules for the Audit and Registration of Ship Security Management Systems / Guidance, and the Rules for the Audit and Registration of Safety Management Systems / Guidance.

Both documents were published on 1 July 2023.

Rules for the Audit and Registration of Ship Security Management Systems / Guidance

Application

ClassNK will audit and register the ship security management system based on the application submitted by the Company.

This process follows the provisions stated in the Rules for the Audit and Registration of Ship Security Management Systems.

These Rules are applicable to ships engaged in international voyages, excluding Japanese flag vessels, including mobile offshore drilling units.

Equivalency

If ClassNK determines that a ship security management system has effects equivalent to those complying with the Rules, the system may be considered as meeting the requirements of the Rules.

Rules for the Audit and Registration of Safety Management Systems / Guidance

Application

ClassNK is responsible for auditing and registering safety management systems in accordance with the International Safety Management Code as stated in these Rules for the Audit and Registration of Safety Management Systems.

The Rules will be applicable to safety management systems for ships other than Japanese flag vessels and the respective management companies responsible for operating those ships.

The registration process for a safety management system will be initiated upon receipt of an application submitted by the company.

Equivalency

If ClassNK determines that the safety management system of a company and its associated ship have effects equivalent to those complying with the requirements of the Rules, then that safety management system may be considered to be in compliance with the Rules.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

Rules for the Audit and Registration of Ship Security Management Systems / Guidance

Rules for the Audit and Registration of Safety Management Systems / Guidance