Approved Class Societies & Recognized Organizations

To ensure compliance with international maritime safety and regulatory standards, the Republic of Benin has officially designated a list of Approved Classification Societies and Recognized Organizations (R.O.s) authorized to act on its behalf. These entities are entrusted with carrying out statutory surveys, audits, and inspections, and with issuing the required certificates under international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and ISM.

All members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) are fully recognized by the Benin Maritime Administration. In addition, a select group of non-IACS organizations has been granted authorization based on their technical competence and performance history. Any classification society not currently listed may apply for approval on a case-by-case basis.

This robust oversight framework ensures that vessels flying the Benin flag meet global standards for safety, environmental protection, and seaworthiness.

LIST OF IACS R.O.s

All members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) are officially recognized by the Benin Maritime Administration as authorized entities to conduct statutory surveys and issue certificates on behalf of the Republic of Benin.

  • American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
  • Bureau Veritas (BV)
  • China Classification Society (CCS)
  • Croatian Register of Shipping (CRS)
  • DNV (DNV)
  • Indian Register of Shipping (IRCLASS)
  • Korean Register of Shipping (KR)
  • Lloyd’s Register (LR)
  • Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK)
  • Polish Register of Shipping (PRS)
  • Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
  • Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS)
  • Türk Loydu (TL)

LIST OF NON-IACS R.O.s
Below NON-IACS soceities are officially recognized by the Benin Maritime Administration as authorized entities to conduct statutory surveys and issue certificates on behalf of the Republic of Benin.

  • Global Bureau of Shipping (GBS)
  • Maritime Classification Society (MCS)

Classification Societies that not listed above may apply for authorization on a case-by-case basis to BMA.