Saudi Transport General Authority approves conditions for international classification bodies working in Kingdom

The Saudi Transport General Authority has announced it is adopting a list of conditions for international classification bodies looking to work in the Kingdom, in order to help develop and facilitate procedures to ensure enhanced investment opportunities in maritime transport activities and services.

The regulations include setting conditions and procedures for authorizing ship classification bodies wishing to work in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The TGA said that the regulation includes all international or local classification bodies concerned with issuing certificates and providing services to ships registered in the Kingdom.

These services include ship inspections; setting standards for the design and construction of vessels; and maintaining these standards throughout the ship’s life, according to international and national requirements and on behalf of the flag state.

This will ensure that high technical standards are met in design, manufacture, construction, maintenance, operation and performance, to enhance maritime safety and preserve the environment and property at sea.

The authority specified in the regulations 10 conditions as a minimum for classification bodies to authorize them to issue certificates and provide services to ships.

Among them is that the classification body be a member of the International Association of Classification Societies, and have comprehensive knowledge of everything related to the fields of inspection and evaluation of shipbuilding designs, and conducting relevant research and classification.

The classification body must have the competencies and technical capabilities to carry out necessary tasks and classify ships, as well as ensure that capabilities are developed and rules and instructions updated.

Classification bodies must also have a regional headquarters or branch in the Kingdom upon application and an effective quality management system under the requirements contained in the Code of Certified Bodies (RO Code) based on the relevant aspects of internationally recognized quality standards.

The conditions of the regulation also state that the classification body complies with the minimum standards recommended in a resolution issued by the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee relating to the Code of Approved Bodies and its amendments.

The classification authority is also committed to providing an action plan to localize opportunities in the fields of examination and inspection in its offices or branches in the Kingdom and under the regulations in force in Saudi Arabia.