SERVICES









CLASSIFICATION FUNCTION


The function of PRS is to determine the structural and mechanical fitness of ships and other marine related structures for their intended use. It does this through a procedure known as "Classification." Briefly stated, we establish and administer standards, known as Class Rules, for the design, construction and periodic survey of ships and other marine structures. "Classification" is a procedure which certifies adherence to these Rules, thus representing that the ship or other marine structure possesses the structural and mechanical integrity required for its intended service. A classed vessel is, therefore, one that provides for the safety of personnel, passengers and cargoes carried, as well as helps to protect the marine environment in which it may operate. Because of the way we are organized and operate, we maintain an impartial and uncompromised position in performing classification services. In this way, we effectively act as a self-regulatory agency to the maritime community, both private and public, in promoting the safety of life, property and in protecting the marine environment.


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CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS


Another essential aspect of the classification function is the development of standards, known as Class Rules. Tasked to conduct research, studies, develop and establish Rules and Standards for implementation by both the surveyors and technical staff is the Technical Committee composed of technical men with long standing experience in ship design, shipbuilding, shiprepairs, marine survey works and shipping operations.




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CLASSIFICATION RESPONSIBILITY


Our responsibility as a classification society is to assure that merchant ships and marine structures presented to us complies with the Rules that the society has established for the design, construction, and periodic survey. Classification itself does not judge the economic viability of a vessel. Neither is the society in a position to judge whether the vessel is ultimately employed according to the stated intended service for which it was classed. Nor can we assume responsibility for managerial decisions of an owner or operator concerning crewing practices or operation of a classed vessel. We record, report and recommend in accordance with what is seen at the time of a vessel's construction and subsequent surveys.



PRS STAFF IN A TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
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CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE


Classification is a procedure involving:


  • • Technical plans review
  • • Surveys during construction or while on drydock
  • • Acceptance by the Classification Committee
  • • Subsequent periodic surveys for maintenance of class




When an owner first requests that the ship or structure be classed, the shipyard or design agent presents design drawings and calculations to PRS for a systematic detailed review for compliance with the Rules. PRS engineers review the plans to verify that the structural and mechanical details conform to the Rule requirements. These plans cover hull structures, machinery and piping systems, electrical equipment and installations, auxiliary machinery, steering gear, propeller, shafting and other major machinery components. During the entire review process, PRS is available for consultations with the owner and designer. This ensures early identification of critical areas to be made at the design/alteration stage that must be addressed during construction/alteration bringing increased confidence in the design, construction/alteration and future performance of the ship.

After a design has been reviewed by PRS engineers and found to be in conformance with the Rules, PRS field surveyors "live with the vessel" at the shipyard from keel laying to delivery to verify that: the approved plans are followed, good workmanship practices are applied, and the Rules are adhered to in all respects. During the construction of a vessel built to class PRS surveyors witness, at the place of manufacturer or fabrication, the tests of materials for hull and certain items of machinery, as required by the Rules. They also survey the construction, installation and testing of principal structural members, mechanical and electrical systems. Throughout the time of construction we maintain an on-going dialogue with the owner and builder to make sure the Rules are understood and adhered to, and also to assist resolving differences that may arise to avoid costly delays.

When completed, a vessel undergoes sea trial attended by a PRS surveyor to verify that the vessel performs satisfactorily in accordance with the Rules.

The Classification Committee evaluates and deliberates on the findings of the technical staff and the surveyor's reports on the vessel's condition and other supporting documents submitted and determines the vessel's compliance with the Rules. Upon satisfactory compliance of all requirements the Committee asigns the vessels class designation and issue certificate of classification.


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SURVEYS AFTER CONSTRUCTION


Though a new vessel or existing vessel maybe granted PRS classification and thereby judged fit for its intended service, such status is not automatically retained throughout its service life. The Society conducts periodic surveys to determine whether a vessel is being maintained in a condition worthy of maintaining classification status. As specified in the Rules, the owner must present his vessel to PRS on a periodic basis for survey of hull and machinery items. Also, should there be any reason to believe that a PRS classed vessel has sustained damaged that may affect classification status, it is incumbent upon the owner to inform the Society. Upon request, PRS surveyors would then survey the vessel to determine whether it meets PRS Rules and, if not, recommend appropriate repairs to maintain classification.


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ACCOMPLISHMENT


Through the years since its founding. PRS has faced challenges of varying degrees that tested its propensity to meet the demands of modern technology and maritime safety requirements. As shipping and technology progresses, the PRS evolved and developed to meet these challenges to assure its importance as a Classification Society and to concretize its relevance to the maritime community. PRS classification experience is however restrained as almost all ships applying for classification are existing imported vessels. Filipino shipowners opt to buy second-hand vessels rather than to have new one constructed.

As of January 2009, PRS has under its classification and survey 668 vessels with a total gross tonnage of 522,024.56. These cover a broad spectrum from passenger vessels to cargo, tanker, tugboats, training ships etc. Each of these vessels had undergone rigid and careful scrutiny by the PRS and up to this day not a single classed vessel has been found to have structural or mechanical failure.




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PRS OTHER ACTIVITIES




TRAINING IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF PRS ACTIVITIES


PRS offers an on-going support for the government and the shipping sector to
anticipate, understand and fill their training needs.



PRS and PCG officials signing
Memo-Agreement on Training



In addition to our regular classification work and to further affirm our commitment to respond adequately to the needs of the shipping industry, PRS launched in 1995 its Maritime Safety Training Program to generate sea safety consciousness among the maritime community and the public. Its goal is to upgrade the skills and competence of local merchant marine personnel and technicians both in government and in the private sector to forestall sea accidents caused by human error. Covered by the program are seminars and workshops on the different statutory of ships safety and marine pollution prevention and control such as SOLAS, Ship Stability, Loadlines, STCW, MARPOL, etc. Since the launching of the program numerous seminars and workshops on various subjects of great concern were sponsored by PRS and conducted both in Manila and in Cebu with the government and the shipping sector as major beneficiaries.

This continuing program is fully funded by the Society from a portion of its income from the survey and classification of vessels and made available without cost to shipowners, operators, and government maritime technicians for their actual training needs.






The Maritime Safety and Training Committee in a joint meeting with PCG and
Shipping officials. Seminars and workshops are made available without cost
to local maritime personnel to upgrade their skills and competence.


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PRS trains not only its people but also provides the training needs of its clients and the government