Independent Classification Society · Est. 2005 · Panama
Your fleet stays
compliant.
We make it happen.
ICS Class is a Recognized Organization (RO) and Recognized Security Organization (RSO) authorized by five flag states. We issue statutory and class certificates — with 54 surveyors at the world’s busiest ports, ready when you need them.
The independent alternative that
doesn’t cost you more to trust.
IACS member societies are not the only option. ICS Class delivers the same international certificate validity, the same technical rigour, the same PSC recognition — with a fundamentally different service model.
Response in hours, not weeks
Technical decisions come directly from our Head Office in Panama — no bureaucratic escalation. Inspection requests, plan approvals, and certificate issuance are processed through STELLA SCMS in a continuous workflow.
A surveyor at your port
54 qualified surveyors across East Asia (21), Eastern Med & Middle East (11), Latin America (7), South Asia (4), Southeast Asia (3), Western Europe (2), North America (2). Where we don’t have local coverage, we mobilize in under 48 hours.
Significantly lower fees
Our inspection, plan approval, and certificate issuance fees are substantially lower than IACS member societies — with identical international validity and recognition by all Port State Control MOU regions.
True multi-flag flexibility
Authorized as RO/RSO under Panama, Belize, Honduras, Vanuatu, and Guinea Bissau. If you’re considering a re-flag, we manage the transition from day one without interrupting class continuity.
What we certify — and what
that means for your vessel.
Without valid statutory and class certificates, your vessel cannot trade. Below is everything ICS Class covers.
Classification surveys
Initial, Annual, Intermediate, Special, Dry-Docking (DD), In-Water (IWS), and Propeller Shaft surveys. Certificate of Class valid for 5 years.
SOLAS & Load Lines
Statutory inspections and certificate issuance on behalf of flag administrations, including all recent SOLAS amendments for existing vessels.
MARPOL — All Annexes
Annual, intermediate, and renewal surveys. Plan review and approval including SOPEP, SMPEP, CBT, ODMC, COW.
ISM Code
Safety management certification for companies and vessels. Assistance with interpretation, implementation, and familiarization of the ISM Code.
ISPS Code
Full ISPS implementation support as RSO. Review and approval of SSA and SSP. Certificate of Shipboard Requirements issued.
MLC 2006
Authorized inspectors covering all five Titles. Minimum requirements, employment conditions, accommodation, health, and social security.
Transfer of class
Transfers from any society including IACS members, per IACS PR 1A. Documentary review, survey status check, transfer survey. Typical timeline: 2–4 weeks.
Non-convention vessels
Certification for vessels under 500 GT under the national rules of each flag state. We advise on applicable certificates per vessel type.
Consultancy
Ballast Water Management Plans, ISM/ISO 9001:2015 integration, ISPS security assessments, PCSOPEP preparation, ISM/ISO internal audits.
The problems we keep
away from your operation.
A lapse in compliance is not just a paperwork problem. It means detention, fines, off-hire time, and P&I coverage gaps.
PSC detention
We keep certificates current across all MOU regions. If detention occurs, we activate a local surveyor within hours for the corrective action survey.
Administrative fines
Continuous compliance with flag state requirements prevents sanctions against your company or master for expired or non-conforming documentation.
P&I coverage gaps
Certificates issued by ICS Class as an authorized RO are recognized by the major P&I Clubs. Your coverage stays intact regardless of port of call.
Off-hire from delays
Our local network means your vessel rarely waits. No costly mobilization fees from distant regions — most ports have a resident surveyor.
Class transfer risk
We manage transfers from any society per IACS PR 1A. No regulatory gaps, no continuity interruptions during the transition.
Slow technical support
Direct communication between our Operations Department and the shipowner. No dependence on slow corporate channels or regional approvals.
Every certificate publicly verifiable.
Every authorization current.
Flag State Authorizations (RO / RSO)
Quality System & Memberships
Conventions & codes we certify under
Answers to the questions we hear
most before a contract is signed.
Ready to keep your fleet in compliance?
Talk to our operations team. Whether you need a classification survey, a statutory renewal, a transfer of class, or just want to compare what ICS Class can offer — we respond the same business day.