Polish Register of Shipping in the evolving classification realm

Polish Register of Shipping (PRS) continues to support shipowners in ensuring the safety of their fleets by providing quality classification services and technical expertise. In the maritime market for almost 70 years, with over 25 years IACS association (ending in 2000) PRS at present is successfully operating in the international market. Conducting its own R&D work, co-operating with renowned scientific institutions and incorporating IACS unified requirements into its rules, the Society surveys ships against a set of top quality standards.

PRS figures, after a downturn of the last two years, are showing an upward trend. PRS continues to operate on behalf of over 25 flag states providing statutory services and auditing ISM systems. To meet customer expectations, PRS is – similar to other classification societies – developing procedures for International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) system audits and is also preparing experts to undertake the new responsibilities resulting from the newly developed requirements of Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS Convention.

PRS’ customer base is undergoing change. Traditionally a class society specialising in older bulk carriers, PRS is now also moving towards covering smaller vessels, which are not as spectacular but require similar input in terms of resources and expertise. Bulk carriers, presently under attack by the maritime public, have always accounted for a large share of PRS tonnage. Thus the society continues to devote both time and resources to search for ways of improving their safety. Case studies performed have shown that it is necessary to modify the existing system of surveys with a change in allocating duties and procedures.

Several prominent maritime figures express their concern over the future of classification. PRS is aware that classification societies will have to evolve. Diversification of services, entering the non-marine fields of industrial surveys, quality management system certification, the contribution of PRS experts in IMO and other regulatory bodies, and the transformation to a not-for-profit organisation operating for the benefit of the maritime community have prepared PRS well for the oncoming developments in classification evolution.

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