ClassNK releases guidelines for new safety tech

Classification Society ClassNK released its new Guidelines for Advanced Safety Measures, outlining requirements for additional class notations for ships adopting new technologies related to improving safety onboard.

In 2020, to promote the development of new technologies, the ClassNK launched its Innovation Endorsement as a certification service to establish appropriate evaluation criteria. From 2021, the society has certified advanced initiatives under the four categories of ‘Digital’, ‘Green’, ‘Safety’, and ‘Labour’.

Guidelines for Advanced Safety Measures stipulate requirements for the class notation ‘Advanced Safety (a-SAFE)’, indicating that a ship is adopting advance safety measures.

These include radar based systems that display additional information on waves etc, collision risk indication systems including Obstacle Zone by Target (OZT) etc., extended reality display systems for superimposing navigation information, forward underwater obstacle detection systems, and berthing support systems.

ClassNK notes that these guidelines will be updated according to future industry needs and technological progress as required. They are available to download via the class society’s website for those who have registered for the ClassNK My Page service.

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Rob O'Dwyer
Rob O'Dwyer

Rob is Chief Network Officer and one of the founders of Smart Maritime Network. He also serves as Chairman of the Smart Maritime Council. Rob has worked in the maritime technology sector since 2005, managing editorial for a range of leading publications in the transport and logistics sector. Get in touch by email by clicking here, or on LinkedIn by clicking here.

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