Expertise in Classification is carried out according to the principles verified by International practice, consisting in the application of technical requirements concerning the ship's Hull, Machinery and her Equipment, as well as monitoring compliance with these requirements by regular surveys.

Classification covers the ship’s hull and machinery, including equipment and all electrical installations.

Assignment of class, classification characters and notations, which denote the degree of confidence that the ship deserves, are assigned following the satisfactory completion of surveys carried out by the society’s surveyors and the completion of verification of compliance with the rules.

Design and Construction requirements, the scope of tests and surveys are defined by the Rules for Ship Classification and Construction, which are in line with the IACS unified interpretation. INSB confirms a ship’s compliance with these requirements by issuing a Certificate of Class and by entering into the society’s Register of Ships.

A computerized ship’s Survey Status system contains the records of all vessels and structures certified by INSB whereas information provision on due dates of surveys, due dates of outstanding recommendations on each vessel are available.

This helps owners/operators to facilitate the overall scheduling of incoming surveys, assuring that the vessels and structures maintain full INSB class compliance while minimizing any chance of service interruption.