Review article

The role and liability of classification societies

Vesna Polić-Ćurčić ; Basler Versicherungs Gesellschaft, Basel

Abstract

After a short overview of the traditional and enlarged role of classification societies in respect to navigation safety, the author comments on the reasons why a considerable number of ships does not comply with international standards, despite the fact that ships are becoming ever more thouroughly and frequently inspected.
Not only shipowners and flag States, but also classification societies themselves are responsible for this situation. In the last few years classification societies have undertaken significant measures to enhance the quality of their services thus raising the quality of ship inspections as well. The question of the societies' liability is being discussed within the Comite Maritime International (CMI). In some recent court decisions classification societies have not been held liable for the consequences of negligent ship controls. These decisions, however, have been criticized, which confirms the need of regulating the liability of classification societies.

Keywords

classification societies; ship control; liability; navigation safety

Hrčak ID:

201682

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/201682

Publication date:

20.12.1995.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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