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Classification Rules, Rule Notes & Guidance Notes
Whether you are a client, partner or player in the maritime industry as a whole – we develop marine and offshore classification rules, rule notes and guidance notes with your safety, operational and economic needs in mind at all times.
From the classification of ships to the classification of offshore units, from equipment and systems certification to digital and advanced technologies certification – with Bureau Veritas, you have access to more than 130 technical publications ready to be downloaded.
Check out these latest rules and guidance notes updates for Marine & Offshore
Rules for the classification of steel ships (July 2026) | |
Ships equipped with SMART systems (July 2026) | |
Approval of the manufacturing process of metallic materials (July 2026) | |
Buckling assessment of plated structures (July 2026) | |
Azimuth thrusters in ice for polar class ships and icebreakers (April 2026) | |
LPG-fuelled ships (April 2026) | |
Requirements for survey of materials and equipment for the classification of ships and offshore units (March 2026) | |
Hull structure and arrangement for the classification of cargo ships less than 65 m and non-cargo ships less than 90 m (March 2026) |
Get started with Bureau Veritas today
If you are not yet a customer of Bureau Veritas, contact us to learn more about our classification services and gain an overview of the onboarding process.
If you are already a customer, simply get in touch with your customer service representative to find out which rules and regulations apply to your specific vessel or offshore unit.
What sets us apart
We at Bureau Veritas are a leader in inspection, testing and certification services across the globe. Our continuous focus on providing local support, in combination with our deep technical expertise, has earned us leadership positions across many vessel types: from gas carriers and small cruise ships to dry bulk and offshore vessels.
We also help you to face the challenges of decommissioning offshore oil and gas assets safely and sustainably, to embrace decarbonization and digitalization and to support marine renewable energy technologies – all with the aim of shaping a better maritime world.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Classification Rules, Rule Notes and Guidance Notes
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What are Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Classification Rules, Rule Notes and Guidance Notes?
These are technical documents developed, maintained and updated by us, the independent classification society Bureau Veritas. They provide classification requirements addressing ships and offshore units’ safety throughout their life cycle, and they align with marine compliance regulations.
Our Marine and Offshore Classification Rules and Rule Notes provide technical requirements for the design, construction and survey of ships and maritime assets to be classed with Bureau Veritas. In contrast, our Guidance Notes provide recommendations or specific information on selected technical aspects.
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Why are marine and offshore classification rules important?
They provide structural, mechanical, electrical and cybersecurity requirements related to the safety of vessels or marine assets, to regulatory compliance and to operational reliability, while reducing risks and supporting certification for national or international maritime operations.
Marine classification is important for insurance purposes, global operations and when entering major ports, and provides trust between marine stakeholders.
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How does classification differ from certification?
Classification means the classification of a vessel or unit, resulting, or not, in the issuance of a classification Certificate by Bureau Veritas, with reference to the Classification Rules.
Certification means the activity of certifying the application of national and international regulations or standards, in particular as stipulated by delegations from different governments, that can result in the issuance of a certificate.
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What forms the basis for Bureau Veritas Classification Rules, Rule Notes and Guidance Notes?
These documents are designed to support compliance with international maritime regulations, including international standards and IMO conventions. They are regularly updated to reflect regulatory changes, technological advancements, operational experience and industry needs, particularly in areas such as marine decarbonisation and digitalisation.
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Where can I access Bureau Veritas Classification Rules, Rule Notes and Guidance Notes?
You can find our current Marine & Offshore Classification Rules, Rule Notes and Guidance Notes here.
