In Russia the first acts of state technical supervision date back to the beginning of the 18th century - the time of the intensive development of the Russian fleet. By the end of the century the Charter of Merchant Shipping had been approved regulating mandatory state registration of ships and documentation on the technical condition of a vessel. At that time, ships were classed by type and age, therefore there emerged a necessity in a more advanced system that would take into account structural features, strength, technical condition and navigation area. As soon as the end of the 19th century the first classification body was established. In 1899 the first classification rules emerged. On 31 December 1913, the charter of the classification society "Russian Register" was approved. The society was renamed several times due to the historical reasons: Russian Register, the USSR Register of Shipping, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. The proper technical condition of the fleet is to be provided by highly qualified staff and regular scientific research. Since 1914 the research and development activities have been coordinated by the Scientific and Technical Council. RS has always been using the latest scientific and technical achievements. The USSR Register of Shipping was the first society to develop requirements for Arctic ships. The society's rules for electric welding proved the possibility of implementation of this new technology during the construction and repair of ships. Since the 1950s the USSR Register of Shipping has become the only classification society in the world to have nuclear ships in its class. Russian Maritime Register of Shipping is the legal successor of the USSR Register of Shipping.
Organization and management
Russian Maritime Register of Shipping is an international classification society established in 1913. In RS class there are 6 677 ships flying flags of more than 40 states. RS structure comprises the Head Office in St. Petersburg and 109 offices in Russia and abroad. Over 1500 highly qualified specialists provide the whole range of RS works and services worldwide, RS is one of the twelve classification societies who are members of the International Association of Classification Societies, which cover 90% of the world merchant fleet. RS is actively involved in the proceedings of IACS Council and working groups, covering all aspects of the classification society's operation. RS uses its scientific-research assets for elaborating and improving IACS Unified requirements. RS participated in developing the IACS Common Structural Rules. Since 1973, RS has for three times been the Chairing Society of IACS Council. RS has been recognized by the European Union. As members of the RF delegations, the RS experts participate in the proceedings of the IMO, ISO and EFQM committees and sub-committees. RS is an associate member of INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO and BIMCO. RS performs classification and survey of ships and floating structures under construction and in service as well as statutory surveys as authorized by maritime administrations of a number of countries. Authorized by the maritime administration of the RF and other 37 countries, RS performs certification of safety management systems of shipping companies and ships for compliance with ISM Code. This safety standard provides for establishing safety management systems in shipping companies and for eliminating human factor from safe operation of ships. RS experts on ISM Code working in RS offices worldwide provide prompt services on certification for compliance with the ISM Code requirements.
