The long-running debate over the standards, reputation and future role of classification societies sparked to life unexpectedly at last week's Intertanko meeting in Sydney, when the tanker owners' association released a key statement defining "transparency. In a move aimed at freeing classification societies from the shackles of commercial confidentiality, Intertanko proposed that -with authorisation from owners - societies should release, on a regular basis, certain vessel operation information to Port State Control (PSC), flag states and charterers. This information would include items such as overdue class and statutory surveys, expired certificates and suspension of class.
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