Study Mode
Online
Flexible study through the IMT platform.
Classification • Ship Survey • RO Framework
Class Surveyor Course & Complete Classification Survey Guide
Develop technical knowledge of classification and statutory surveys, hull structure, machinery, stability, load line, tonnage, fire protection, safety equipment, pollution prevention, radio and specialist tanker requirements.
Online 52 Hours 13 Lessons • 1 Quiz Advanced Certificate
Course at a Glance
Class Surveyor Online Training
IMT's current Class Surveyor programme is an Advanced Certificate with thirteen specialist lessons covering classification and major statutory survey areas.
Listed Duration
52 hours
Current catalogue duration.
Current Structure
1 section • 13 lessons • 1 quiz
Technical class and statutory modules.
Training Area
Advanced Certificate
Flag State Inspections & Classification Surveys.
Employment / authorization clarification: A course does not automatically make someone an authorized classification society surveyor or non-exclusive surveyor. Classification societies apply their own recruitment, competence, authorization and scope-of-survey controls.
Classification Fundamentals
What Is a Classification Society?
A classification society develops technical rules for ships and marine structures and surveys vessels to verify compliance with those rules.
Classification is a private technical system distinct from Flag State regulation. A ship's class status indicates that defined aspects of its design, construction and condition have been assessed against the rules of the classification society.
Classification societies employ or authorize surveyors with backgrounds such as naval architecture, marine engineering or senior seagoing service. Surveyors inspect ships, machinery and systems within the scope for which they are competent and authorized.
A classification society can also act as a Recognized Organization and perform statutory survey and certification functions on behalf of a Flag Administration, but only when formally authorized. The statutory work then remains subject to the IMO RO Code and Flag State oversight.
Class vs Statutory
Classification Survey vs Statutory Survey
Classification Survey
Verifies compliance with the classification society's technical rules and requirements within the assigned class scope.
- Hull and structural class requirements
- Machinery and electrical class requirements
- Construction and in-service surveys
- Class notations and conditions/recommendations
- Periodic class survey cycles
Statutory Survey
Verifies compliance with mandatory international or national requirements on behalf of the Flag Administration.
- SOLAS and safety certification
- MARPOL certification
- Load Line requirements
- Tonnage and other statutory instruments
- Performed by Administration or formally authorized RO
Survey Cycle
What Does a Class Surveyor Do?
Plan the Survey
Confirm survey status, due items, vessel history and authorized scope.
Review Documentation
Examine approved plans, certificates, class records and relevant technical documents.
Inspect Hull
Assess structural condition and relevant class survey items.
Inspect Machinery
Survey machinery, systems and equipment within the authorized scope.
Witness Tests
Observe operational tests, pressure tests, measurements or other verification activities.
Record Findings
Document deficiencies, conditions of class or required repairs according to society procedures.
Verify Repairs
Review corrective work and evidence needed to close survey findings.
Report & Recommend
Complete the survey record so the society can make the appropriate class/certification decision.
Technical Modules
Technical Areas Covered by the IMT Class Surveyor Course
Classification & Statutory Surveys
Foundation for class rules and delegated statutory work.
Hull Structure
Structural survey principles and ship condition.
Machinery Systems
Marine machinery and essential systems.
Subdivision & Stability
Watertight integrity and stability fundamentals.
Load Line
Freeboard and closing-appliance survey principles.
Tonnage
International tonnage measurement awareness.
Structural Fire Protection
Fire divisions and structural safety requirements.
Safety Equipment
Life-saving and firefighting equipment survey areas.
Oil Pollution Prevention
MARPOL Annex I survey awareness.
NLS Pollution Prevention
MARPOL Annex II requirements for applicable ships.
Radio Equipment
Statutory radio and GMDSS survey awareness.
Dangerous Chemicals
IBC Code-related survey considerations.
Liquefied Gases
IGC Code-related survey considerations.
RO Framework
When Can a Classification Society Perform Statutory Surveys?
- The Flag Administration must formally recognize/authorize the organization
- The scope of delegated authority must be defined
- The RO must comply with applicable mandatory RO Code requirements
- Surveyors must be competent and authorized for the functions they perform
- The Flag State must retain effective oversight of the RO
- National requirements can supplement international mandatory requirements
- Statutory certificates are issued within the authority granted by the Administration
Learning Focus
What You Should Learn from Class Surveyor Training
- Role and functions of classification societies
- Class vs statutory survey distinctions
- Recognized Organization framework
- Survey planning and record review
- Hull structure survey fundamentals
- Machinery-system survey fundamentals
- Subdivision, stability and load-line requirements
- Tonnage survey awareness
- Structural fire protection
- Life-saving and safety equipment
- MARPOL Annex I and II survey areas
- Radio-equipment survey awareness
- Chemical and gas carrier requirements
- Professional reporting and survey finding close-out
Who Should Enroll
Who Is the Class Surveyor Course For?
Prospective Class Surveyors
Professionals seeking foundational classification-survey knowledge before society-specific training and authorization.
Naval Architects
Technical specialists entering classification or statutory survey careers.
Marine Engineers
Engineers expanding from shipboard or technical work into surveying.
Masters / Deck Officers
Experienced mariners moving toward survey and inspection roles.
Existing Surveyors
Survey professionals broadening their technical class/statutory understanding.
Technical Superintendents
Shore staff who manage class surveys, repairs and vessel survey status.
Flag State Personnel
Inspectors seeking clearer understanding of classification and RO interfaces.
Maritime Consultants
Consultants supporting surveys, repairs, class matters and compliance.
Authoritative References
IMO References Relevant to Class & Statutory Survey Work
RO Code
IMO Code for Recognized Organizations: MSC.349(92) and MEPC.237(65).
HSSC 2025
Current IMO Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification: A.1207(34).
Flag State Oversight
IMO guidance stresses Administration responsibility for effective oversight of authorized ROs.
FAQ
Class Surveyor FAQ
What is a Class Surveyor?
A Class Surveyor performs surveys for a classification society to verify compliance with the society's technical rules and the vessel's class requirements.
What is the difference between class and statutory survey?
Class survey checks classification rules. Statutory survey checks mandatory legal requirements on behalf of a Flag Administration.
Can a classification society issue statutory certificates?
Yes, when the Flag Administration has formally authorized the society as a Recognized Organization for the relevant functions.
What is the RO Code?
The mandatory IMO Code for Recognized Organizations provides a framework for authorizing and overseeing ROs that perform statutory functions.
What technical areas does a class surveyor inspect?
Depending on authorization, work can include hull, machinery, electrical systems, stability-related items, fire protection and other class or delegated statutory areas.
Do all class surveyors inspect every technical discipline?
No. Classification societies control surveyor competence and authorization by discipline and function.
Can Class Surveyor training be completed online?
Yes. IMT currently lists its Class Surveyor programme as an online Advanced Certificate with 13 lessons, one quiz and 52 hours of study.
Does the IMT course make me an authorized class surveyor?
No. Employment and survey authorization are controlled by the classification society or organization appointing the surveyor.
What backgrounds are useful for class-surveyor careers?
Naval architecture, marine engineering and senior deck/engineering seagoing experience are common relevant professional backgrounds.
What should I study after Class Surveyor training?
Related pathways include Statutory Surveyor & Flag State Inspector, Port State Control, Marine Engineering and Marine Surveying.
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