Description
About this course
Classification societies are the backbone of global maritime safety and insurability — and understanding how they operate is essential for anyone working in vessel surveys, fleet management, or marine insurance. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practice of classification society surveying, covering the role of the class surveyor in verifying that vessels meet the standards set by recognised classification societies. From survey types and inspection methodologies to class notation systems and conditions of class, this programme equips you to understand, engage with, and work within the classification process that underpins global shipping compliance.
Learning objectives
| ✓ | Explain the purpose and authority of classification societies within the international maritime regulatory framework |
| ✓ | Identify the key types of class surveys including new construction, annual, intermediate, special, and damage surveys |
| ✓ | Apply the survey process to assess hull, machinery, and equipment against classification society rules |
| ✓ | Interpret class notation systems and understand how conditions of class and recommendations are issued |
| ✓ | Describe the relationship between classification societies, flag state administrations, port state control, and P&I clubs |
| ✓ | Evaluate survey findings and understand the criteria for suspension, withdrawal, or maintenance of class |
Who is this course for?
| 🏢 Shipping companies & organisationsEnsuring fleet personnel understand classification requirements reduces the risk of costly survey failures, detentions, and loss of class. Organisations benefit from a workforce capable of preparing vessels effectively for surveys and engaging productively with class surveyors | 🚢 Maritime professionalsFor seafarers, port engineers, and superintendents, understanding the class surveyor’s role strengthens your ability to manage survey readiness and maintain vessel compliance — supporting career progression into technical superintendent, fleet management, or classification society roles | 📋 Marine surveyors & insurance professionalsIndependent marine surveyors and P&I or hull underwriters will deepen their understanding of how classification status directly affects vessel insurability, seaworthiness determinations, and claims assessment |
Key skills you will gainClassification society rules & survey requirementsHull & machinery survey inspection criteriaClass notation & survey status documentationStatutory & class survey interfacesIdentifying deficiencies & conditions of classDamage survey & repair approval processesNew construction survey & plan approvalLiaison with class surveyors during inspections
Programme details
| Qualification awardedCertificate of Completion in Class Surveyor Principles | Duration62 hours | Start dateImmediately upon enrollment | DeliveryOnline — expert-led webinars & industry support | AccessFull lifetime access |
| 🌐 | Internationally recognised certificateAccepted by major shipping companies worldwide · Trusted by learners in 180+ countries through Maritime Academy Training |
Course content
This course covers 1 core unit and 12 specialisation modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of classification society surveying.
Core unit
| Unit Code | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FSI002 | Classification and Statutory Surveys | 60 |
Specialisation modules
| Unit Code | Module Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CLS2A | Module 2A — Hull Structure | 12 |
| CLS2B | Module 2B — Machinery Systems | 12 |
| CLS2C | Module 2C — Subdivision and Stability | 12 |
| CLS2D | Module 2D — Load Line | 12 |
| CLS2E | Module 2E — Tonnage | 12 |
| CLS2F | Module 2F — Structural Fire Protection | 12 |
| CLS2G | Module 2G — Safety Equipment | 12 |
| CLS2H | Module 2H — Oil Pollution Prevention | 12 |
| CLS2I | Module 2I — Noxious Liquid Substances Pollution Prevention | 12 |
| CLS2J | Module 2J — Radio Equipment | 12 |
| CLS2K | Module 2K — Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk | 12 |
| CLS2L | Module 2L — Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk | 12 |
