Transfer of class

How your existing ships can gain Lloyd's Register class.

Many ships are designed and constructed to comply with our Rules. However, it is possible to transfer your vessel to Lloyd's Register class at any point during its lifetime.

Depending on the current class status of the vessel, various procedures exist to help you achieve a rapid, smooth transition to Lloyd's Register class.

What is transfer of class?

Transfer of class (TOC)
This is the process by which a vessel currently classed by another member or associate of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) can gain Lloyd's Register class. IACS lays down various procedures concerning the responsibilities of each classification society for the TOC surveys, submission of plans and information.

For a vessel formerly classed with Lloyd's Register, the same TOC procedures apply, with the advantage that we will usually have all the plans and information we need.

Acceptance into class (AIC)
This is the process by which unclassed vessels (including vessels which are classed by a non-IACS member or associate) can gain Lloyd's Register class. Formal submission of plans and information for design appraisal will usually be required in addition to a full survey.

What are the benefits?

• Transferring your ship to Lloyd's Register class helps you maintain its value throughout the remainder of its service life.
• A dedicated Lloyd's Register project manager will be assigned to help ensure a smooth transfer and minimise cost and disruption to your operations.
• We can conduct the necessary ship survey at a time and place convenient to you, and you can facilitate the process by sending the necessary documents to us in advance.
• Full-term classification certificates can be issued on completion of the survey if all necessary plans and information have been passed to Lloyd's Register.
• On completion of all the necessary surveys, we issue classification certificates and the appropriate statutory certificates, enabling your vessel to continue trading.

How does Lloyd's Register help?

You can initiate the TOC or AIC process by approaching any Lloyd's Register Group office. Your dedicated project manager will then review the following vessel details:

• ship type, age, tonnage and service history
• ownership and fleet details
• flag state, port state detention and casualty record
• number of previous transfers
• survey status and conditions or recommendations.

For ships that are 15 years of age and older, a pre-inspection survey will be necessary to determine the overall condition of the ship. The scope of this survey is such that it will not disturb your current operations.

Where appropriate, we then approach the current classification society and obtain details of the ship's survey status and other related data. We can then formalise surveys required for classification as well as any specific flag state requirements.

In most cases, a transfer can be combined with normal survey requirements, helping to minimise cost and disruption to operations.

What next?

If you would like to progress your enquiry further please choose one of the following: