The Study On Law Status And Liability Of Classification Society

Classification Society performs a vital role for the safety of life and wealth at sea with its professional knowledge. Through inspection, the merchant vessels get to the anticipant safety standard and also the requirements of the administrations and insurers. Mainly and traditionally, the societies supply the statutory certification services and classification services. But with the increasing of maritime accidents due to classification societies and the much more recognition on the safety at sea from international society, classification societies be involved in the process of guaranteeing the seaworthiness as the appropriate candidates. It' s wholly one uncertain topic whether imposing a liability on classification societies in relation to owners and third-parties. With the development of marine market, the competition between the ship owners becomes strictly. Until now, there has no uniform criterion on the legal system of the classification society in the international legislation, and it almost not be mentioned at the maritime law of every country. It is valuable and can be refer to, about the problems of the liability of classification societies what many specialists talked before. This article discusses and studies on the issue of law in depth; To make the "game rule" clear in this field; offer theoretic elements for maritime arbitration; and at the same time, to table a proposal for the foundation and consummate on the system of legal duty of classification societies.This article first discusses the status of classification society, outline its operation extension and correlative juristical questions. It also expandes on the various theory of liability against classification societies; analyses relevant cases in different jurisdictions; provide arguments for and against the imposition of liability on societies;contemplate the future prospects for classification societies; clarifies the principle of liability against classification societies. It also confirm the liability be imposed on the classification societies; analyses the theoretic bases and finally, put forward the suggestions on preventionof liability.