Operational guide · Certification & surveys

Coordination between Class Surveys and Statutory Surveys (RO)

Class and statutory certification remain distinct systems: a recognized organization acts under flag delegation, while HSSC harmonizes statutory instruments and does not determine the class cycle; a coordinated attendance is possible only where scope, windows and authorization align.

Recognized OrganizationRO Codeclass surveystatutory survey

Operational Explanation

Class applies the society’s Rules and maintains class status; statutory certification evidences compliance with applicable international instruments on behalf of the flag Administration. A classification society may also act as a recognized organization (RO), but only within its delegation.

HSSC harmonizes statutory surveys and certificates. It does not govern the class cycle. One attendance may reduce duplication where windows, scope, competence and delegation align; conclusions, records and effects remain separate.

Regulatory Reference

SOLAS I/6; IMO RO Code — MSC.349(92)/MEPC.237(65); HSSC 2025 — A.1207(34). Class follows society Rules. Flag delegation must cover the specific function; the flag retains responsibility and oversight of the RO.

Scope of Application

Ships whose class surveys and statutory surveys fall in the same period. Coordination depends on the certificate, flag, authorized RO, Rules, windows and ship condition.

Procedure / How to Complete It

Separate class and statutory requirements in the planning matrix.
Verify flag delegation for each certificate and function.
Compare windows, scope, tests, survey status and outstanding conditions.
Agree attendance and hold points without assuming automatic credit.
Close and record results, recommendations, conditions of class and certificates separately.

Practical Example

If renewal of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate and the Special Survey both require an in-dock examination, the same organization may coordinate attendance when it is class and the authorized RO. Class and statutory decisions and documents remain separate.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Treating HSSC as the class calendar, assuming every surveyor may sign every certificate, or automatically transferring a result between the two systems can leave requirements uncovered.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake	Consequence	How to avoid it
HSSC used for class	Wrong window	Consult Rules and survey status separately
Delegation assumed	Certificate not validly handled	Verify flag authorization

What the PSCO Checks

PSC checks statutory certificates, validity and ship condition. It may consider class information where relevant, but it does not administer the private class cycle or convert a class visit into a statutory survey.

Operational Tips

For each task record its basis, window, responsible party, authorization and final document.
Confirm in writing which shared activities will be credited in each system.
Refer reserved decisions to the flag: appointment as RO does not authorize independent exemptions.

Preparation checklist

Class survey status checked
Statutory certificates and windows checked
RO delegation confirmed for each certificate
Scopes and hold points separated
Final records kept distinct

FAQ

Does HSSC harmonize the class cycle?

No. It harmonizes statutory surveys and certification; the class cycle follows applicable Rules.

May a classification society always issue statutory certificates?

No. It must be authorized by the flag for the specific function.

Does one attendance produce one decision?

No. Even when coordinated, class and statutory decisions and records remain separate.

Coordination between Class Surveys and Statutory Surveys (RO)

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

Scope of Application

Procedure / How to Complete It

Practical Example

What Typically Goes Wrong

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

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