Classification Services by Universal Maritime Bureau (UMB)

UMB provides comprehensive Classification Services in accordance with our Rules and Regulations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, environmental protection, and operational integrity for sea-going vessels throughout their lifecycle.

Our continuously updated Rules and Regulations cover all critical technical aspects, including:

• General Survey & Classification Regulations

• Hull Structure & Equipment

• Stability & Subdivision

• Fire Protection Systems

• Machinery Installations & Refrigerating Plants

• Boilers, Pressure Vessels & Electrical Systems

• Materials, Welding & Automation

UMB is committed to the ongoing development of these standards, aligning with industry advancements to safeguard life, property, and the marine environment.

Our Classification Services

1. Classification of New Constructions

The process begins with submitting plans and technical documentation to UMB’s Head Office for review. Our expert engineers meticulously assess:

• Hull design & structural integrity

• Machinery & equipment compliance

• Adherence to UMB Rules & international standards

Approval is granted only after full compliance is verified, ensuring your vessel meets all safety and operational requirements.

2. Classification of Existing Vessels & Marine Structures

UMB certifies existing vessels upon confirming their compliance with our Rules and Regulations through rigorous surveys. We provide:

• Periodic class surveys to maintain seaworthiness.

• Condition assessments to identify and resolve operational issues.

• Continuous support to ensure long-term compliance.

3. Classification of Vessels Undergoing Major Modifications

For vessels or marine structures undergoing significant changes, UMB oversees:

• Plan review & pre-approval of modifications.

• On-site surveys to verify compliance during/after modifications.

• Final certification upon satisfactory completion.

Why Choose UMB?

• Globally Recognized: Trusted by Flag States and maritime stakeholders.

• Proactive Updates: Rules evolve with industry trends and regulations.

• Seamless Transfers: Easily transfer your vessel’s classification to UMB at any stage.

ClassUMB: Authorized Flag State Statutory Services

ClassUMB is authorized by multiple Flag Administrations to conduct statutory services for vessels under their registry. Authorization scope varies by flag – below are all services we offer:

STATUTORY SURVEYS
Conventional Vessels:
• Load Line (ILL)
• Safety Surveys: Construction (CSSC), Equipment (CSSE), Radio (CSSR)
• Pollution Prevention: Oil (IOPP), Air (IAPP), Sewage (ISPP), Garbage (IGPP), Anti-Fouling (IAFS)
• Energy Efficiency (IEE)
• Compliance Documents: EU MRV, IMO DCS
• Special Surveys: Cargo Gear (CG), Bulk Cargoes (SBC), Dangerous Goods (DG)
• Crew & Labor: Accommodations (CICA), MLC Inspection

*Non-Conventional Vessels (<500 GT):*
• Safety Construction & Equipment
• Radiotelephony (<300 GT)

AUDITS & VERIFICATIONS
• ISM (DOC/SMC)
• ISPS
• MLC Compliance

DOCUMENT APPROVALS
Plans & Manuals:
• Stability Documents (Trim/Stability Booklet, Loading Manual)
• Safety Plans (Damage Control, Fire Control, SOPEP)
• Management Plans (SEEMP, Garbage, Security)

Certifications & Calculations:
• Tonnage Certificates
• Grain Authorization
• Hazardous Materials Inventory (EU SRR, HK IHM)

Note: Exemption certificates issued where applicable

UMB provides comprehensive survey services in accordance with our Rules for the Classification and Construction of Sea-Going Ships, organized into the following technical parts:

Classification Rules Framework

1. Classification Regulations

   • Certification procedures and survey requirements

2. Hull

   • Structural design and integrity standards

3. Hull Equipment

   • Anchoring, mooring, and lifesaving appliances

4. Stability and Subdivision

   • Intact/damaged stability criteria

5. Fire Protection

   • Fire safety systems and compartmentation

6. Machinery Installations

   • Main/auxiliary engines and refrigerating plants

7. Boilers & Pressure Vessels

   • Design and inspection requirements

8. Electrical Systems

   • Power generation, distribution and automation

9. Materials & Welding

   • Approved materials and construction methods

10. Seaworthiness

    • Operational condition assessments

11. Towing Operations

    • Tug and towed unit requirements

12. Cargo Gear

    • Lifting appliances and handling equipment

Key Service Features:

• Complete Rule Sets available upon request (English only)

• Technical Support for rule interpretation

• Customized Survey Plans based on vessel status

• Condition Evaluation reports with remediation guidance

Note: All classification documents are provided in English as the official working language of maritime compliance.

Universal Maritime Bureau (UMB) is an officially Recognized Organization (RO), authorized to conduct full statutory inspections and certifications on behalf of multiple Flag State Administrations.

Authorized Flag States

UMB is currently delegated by the following Flag Administrations to perform statutory services for vessels under their registry:

• Belize

• Palau

• Togo

• Sao Tomé & Príncipe

• Guinea-Bissau

Our authorization includes but is not limited to:
✓ Mandatory surveys (Load Line, SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC)
✓ Certification issuance
✓ Compliance audits (ISM, ISPS, MLC)

Continuous Updates:
UMB is actively pursuing additional flag state recognitions to expand our global service coverage.

Need flag-specific details? Contact our team for the latest authorization scope per administration.