ClassNK: Regulations for Classification and Registry of Ships

The Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) on 28 June 2023 published the Regulations for the Classification and Registry of Ships / Guidance.

This document is in force from 1 July 2023.

When ships undergo a classification survey conducted by the ClassNK's Surveyors, they will be assigned a class and registered in the Classification Register, as outlined in section 2.1.5.

This survey evaluates various aspects of the ship, including hull and equipment, machinery, fire protection and detection, means of escape, fire extinction, electrical installations, stability, and load lines.

The assessment is conducted in accordance with the rules specified for ship construction and surveying (referred to as "the Ship Rules").

ClassNK will grant classification to ships that meet the Ship Rules' requirements.

However, ClassNK retains the right to reject the classification of ships even if they pass the survey, based on section 1.4-3, Chapter 1 of the "Conditions of Service for Classification of ships and registration of installations."

ClassNK will attach appropriate notations to the Classification Characters of a ship (part of the ship's classification) under section 2.1.1 in the following cases:

The ship is approved for a limited service area, such as Coasting Service, Smooth Water Service, or River Service.
The ship is approved for a specific purpose, such as Bulk Carrier, Container Carrier, or Column Stabilized Drilling Unit.
The ship's hull construction has been strengthened for a particular purpose, such as Class IA Ice Strengthening.
The ship doesn't fall under the previous three categories but is deemed suitable by ClassNK, for example, a ship with a hull constructed of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic).

Furthermore, ClassNK may add appropriate notations to the Classification Characters when specific measures are taken to protect the marine environment, improve the crew's working conditions, or achieve other specific objectives.

The Classification Register will contain various details about the ship, including Classification Characters, ship name, owner, purpose of the ship, gross tonnage, principal dimensions, and the items specified in sections 2.1.3 and 2.1.4.

If necessary, ClassNK will also include additional descriptive notes in the Classification Register, such as information about special construction and the kind of cargo the ship can carry.

Whenever any changes occur to the registered items in the Classification Register, ClassNK will update the description accordingly.

This information is also published in the "REGISTER OF SHIPS." Ship owners are responsible for notifying ClassNK if there are any changes to the items listed in the "REGISTER OF SHIPS."

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