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Wooden Vessels, in 1870. When the era of wooden ships gave way to iron, ABS established standards for these structures, published as Rules for Survey and Classing of Iron Vessels.
Similarly, when iron gave way to steel, ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels were established and published in 1890. These Steel Vessel Rules continue to be revised and
published annually, embodying the service, experience and technological advancements accumulated since that first
2.4 QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
It is the policy of the American Bureau of Shipping to be responsive to the individual and collective needs of our clients as well as those of the public at large, to provide quality
services in support of our mission, and to provide our services consistent with international standards developed to avoid, reduce or control pollution to the environment. All of our client
commitments, supporting actions, and services delivered must be recognized as expressions of Quality. We pledge to monitor our performance as an on-going activity and to strive for
continuous improvement. We commit to operate consistent with applicable environmental legislation and regulations and to provide a framework for establishing and reviewing
environmental objectives and targets.
2.5 SAFETY, SERVICE, AND SOLUTIONS
These three goals define the activities of ABS. They are the bedrock upon which our commitment to set standards of excellence as one of the world’s leading ship classification
societies is founded. From its inception in 1862, setting safety standards for the marine industry has been the core commitment of ABS. This is achieved through the establishment
and application of technical standards, known as Rules, for the design, construction and operational maintenance of ships and other marine structures. Classification is a process that
certifies adherence to these Rules. From its World Headquarters in Houston, ABS delivers services and solutions to a worldwide client list through a network of local representative
offices in 70 countries.
2.6 REASON TO CLASS
1. Enhanced Safety The ultimate goal of classification is to promote the safety of the passengers, the crew,
the cargo, the vessel and the environment in which it operates. 2. Protection Of Capital Investment
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As a measure of protection of their capital investment, financiers usually require that a vessel has been designed, built and maintained to appropriate classification standards.
3. Conformance With Underwriting Requirements Classification signifies that a vessel complies with industry-developed standards. This
is usually mandated by insurance underwriters. 4. Indication Of Due Diligence
Classification is one indication that the shipowner has exercised due diligence during the construction and service life of the vessel.
5. Indication Of Proper Maintenance To remain in class, a vessel must undergo periodic surveys to verify that it is
maintained to class standards and in conformance with the Rules. 6. Conformance With Statutory Requirements
In most nations the governing authorities have mandated that certain vessels entering into their registry be classed.
7. More Than A Century Of Experience ABS has been in existence since 1862. It has a proven ability to meet the needs of the
shipping industry. The ABS Rules incorporate the knowledge gathered from more than 140 years of operating experience and from the most advanced technological research.
8. Advanced Technological Capabilities ABS has some of the most respected research and development resources in the
marine industry, and is dedicated to providing greater understanding of marine design and construction.
9. A Network Of Regional Technical Offices ABS technical staff are located in Busan, Genoa, Hamburg, Houston, London,
Istanbul, New Orleans, New York, Piraeus, Rio de Janeiro, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei and Yokohama, providing fast, local response to client needs.
10. A Network Of Field Surveyors ABS is able to offer quick, professional, 24 hours a day
– seven days a week, multilingual survey services to clients around the world from an impressive network of more
than 170 offices in 70 countries. 11. Statutory Recognition Of Abs Standards
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Many flag States require vessels on their register to be classed with one of a selected number of approved classification societies. ABS is recognized by every major flag State.
The ABS Classification Rules address many of the standards relating to overall strength, stability, machinery, safety equipment and pollution prevention contained in the statutory
regulations of those flag States. By classing with ABS, these particular areas of the overall design could also meet national authority requirements.
2.7 CORE COMPETENCIES
