New IACS Chairman Sets Out Priorities

Alan Gavin, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping’s Marine Director, became chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) on July 1, 2002. He succeeds Igor Ponomarev, of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. Gavin stated that during his year of tenure there are two main issues that need to be addressed in addition to progressing the existing major work programs in areas such as bulk carrier safety. These priorities will address transparency and closer relations with leading industry associations. He said: “Transparency of class and statutory information is seen as a means of exposing sub-standard shipping and allowing flag and port state to target these ships. IACS members have discussed with the EU the information required and will be ready to implement the access to data by the year end. “In the field of improving safety, the industry associations and their owners have considerable service experience. IACS would welcome their input to work of IACS who will now publish on its website, details of the 160 projects being undertaken by its working parties. Industry groups will be invited to input through the secretariat to these projects. Not only will this assist IACS in progressing its work, but also allow shipowners and shipbuilders to plan ahead and take account of changing class requirements. This process will also be reinforced by more frequent meetings with international organizations such as Intertanko, ICS and BIMCO, together with the national shipowners’ associations.