PRESS RELEASE: Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), a leading international classification society has started issuing electronic certificates for all its classed vessels.
Recognising the importance of digitalisation, these e-Certificates are in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines for the use of e-Certificates (FAL.5-Circ.39-Rev2) dated April 2016 and, are available on the IRClass website through a secure platform – giving ship owners, regulators and charterers real-time access to the latest class and statutory certificates from anywhere in the world.
The e-Certificates are incorporated with a digital signature and a unique tracking number for online verification purposes. This allows the user to determine the validity of the certificates – to ensure that they have not been falsified or tampered with. The authenticity, originality and traceability of the e-Certificates are easily verifiable through the IRClass Verification Portal, with access made available for any stakeholder who wishes to confirm the information contained in the e-Certificates.
Commenting on this initiative, Joint Managing Director of IRClass, Mr. Vijay Arora said: “The implementation of IRClass e-Certificates are expected to reduce administrative burden and document handling costs for ship owners, coupled with increasing operational efficiency.
“We have started issuing e-Certificates (provided the flag state has approved its use) to all newbuilding vessels on delivery as well as existing vessels on completion of their upcoming renewal survey.”
He added: “As a classification society focused on driving the maritime industry forward, we are looking towards stepping up on our digitalisation efforts in various other areas in the near future – as technological advancements continue to transform the industry at a rapid pace.”
