Condition of Class and Recommendations
Neither an ISM Non-Conformity nor a PSC deficiency: a third language altogether, that of Class, with its own deadlines and its own consequences for classification validity.
Operational Explanation
A Condition of Class (or Recommendation, in the terminology of the Classification Society) is a formal requirement issued by the class surveyor when a condition is found that does not fully meet classification requirements, but is not considered serious enough to require immediate suspension of class. It carries a deadline by which it must be closed (typically tied to the survey cycle).
It is important to distinguish this language from that of ISM Non-Conformities (which relate to the Safety Management System) and PSC deficiencies (found by a port authority, not by Class): these are parallel systems, with different logic and consequences, even though in practice they are often linked when the same physical condition generates observations across more than one system.
Regulatory Reference
Governed by the internal rules of each Classification Society (often harmonized through IACS): a Condition of Class not closed by its assigned deadline can lead to suspension of class, with direct consequences for the validity of the related statutory certificates.
Scope of Application
Every classed ship, for every condition found by the class surveyor that does not warrant immediate suspension but requires action within a defined time limit.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Formally record every Condition of Class/Recommendation received, with description, deadline and reference to the survey that generated it.
- Plan the intervention needed for closure, considering whether it requires dry dock access or can be resolved afloat.
- Promptly inform the Company of any condition requiring resources not available on board.
- Document closure with verifiable technical evidence (photographs, measurements, repair certificates).
- Request formal verification of closure from the Classification Society before the assigned deadline.
Practical Example
Management example: a Condition of Class for localized corrosion on a bulkhead, with a 6-month closure deadline; the repair is planned to coincide with the next technical port call, documented photographically and verified by the surveyor before the deadline.
Real Cases
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Condition of Class treated as lower priority than a PSC deficiency or an ISM Non-Conformity | Deadline missed, risk of class suspension | Treat every Condition of Class with the same priority as other non-conformities, tracking its specific deadline |
| Closure intervention planned without considering whether it requires dry dock access | Impossible to complete the intervention by the deadline if the next dry docking is scheduled later | Always assess whether the condition requires dry dock access and plan accordingly |
| Closure not formally verified by the Classification Society before the deadline | The condition remains formally open even if the technical work has been completed | Always request formal verification from the surveyor; do not consider a condition closed just because the work was done |
PSC Observations
Operational Tips
- Treat every Condition of Class with priority equal to that of ISM Non-Conformities and PSC deficiencies, not as a secondary system.
- Always assess in advance whether closure requires dry dock access, to plan accordingly against the assigned deadline.
- Never consider a condition closed without formal verification by the class surveyor.
Checklist
- Every Condition of Class recorded with description, deadline and survey reference
- Closure intervention planned considering dry dock needs
- Necessary resources promptly communicated to the Company
- Closure documented with verifiable technical evidence
- Formal verification from the Classification Society requested before the deadline