Polish classification society PRS has said it would “welcome a return to IACS membership”, following the publication of preliminary new commitments that could open up membership to the International Association of Classification Societies.

“With the present IACS commitments, administrative barriers which in the past barred co-operation on improving safety standards will be removed,” PRS said in a statement issued to Lloyd’s List.

“It seems that IACS will be open to all quality classification societies. PRS welcomes these new developments but future practice will validate, as always, the adopted solutions.”

PRS was expelled from IACS after a high-profile casualty in 2001, and has since argued that EU intervention was needed to encourage the exchange of information beyond IACS membership.

Under the suggested new rules, non-IACS members will be entitled to apply for membership if they can demonstrate that they have fulfilled new quality criteria, effectively removing the traditional size barrier to entry.

Richard Meade
Lloyd's List, 10 June 2009