IACS Website Tracks Thickness Measurement Companies

A new initiative, for closer monitoring of steel thickness measurement companies, has been taken by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Under a new Procedural Requirement (PR 23), which took effect on 1 August, all IACS members are obliged to report any change in the status of approval of TM companies. A full list of thickness measurement (TM) companies approved by IACS members is now available on the IACS Website (www.iacs.org.uk). These TM companies are approved to take steel thickness gauging of ships subject to the Enhanced Survey Program (ESP). IACS Permanent Secretary Richard Leslie says: “TM companies play a central role in the assessment of vessel condition. Decisions taken by Class Surveyors on the extent of steel renewals are frequently based upon these measurements. The quality and reliability of such data are therefore of prime concern to Class. The decision to list every approved TM company on a central database and track any changes in status is an important step forward and does much to increase transparency to the whole maritime community".

Under PR 23, the new updating obligations include the addition of newly-approved TM firms and the date when approval expires, or when it is suspended or cancelled. Prior to issuing a new certificate of approval, or renewing/endorsing the certificate of a TM firm, IACS members will be required to check the database for information on status. If the TM firm in question has been the subject of a suspension or cancellation of approval, IACS members will be required to take necessary measures to substantiate the approval. Richard Leslie adds: “Procedural Requirement 23 will ensure that all IACS members have immediate and up-to-date information on the status of approval of TM firms, including any suspension or withdrawal of approval. Classification Surveyors will have the latest information on TM firms’ status in all geographic areas. The use of the Website as a publication vehicle also provides for public access, so further increasing transparency."