what is Classification meaning for ship design ?

Classification is a representation by the Bureau as to the structural and mechanical fitness for a

particular use or service in accordance with its Rules and standards. The Rules  of Shipping are not meant as a substitute for the independent judgement of professional designers, naval architects, marine engineers, owners, operators, masters and crew nor as a substitute for the quality control procedures of shipbuilders, engine builders, steel makers, suppliers, manufacturers and sellers of marine vessels, materials, machinery or equipment. The Bureau, being a technical society, can only act through Surveyors or others who are believed by it to be skilled and competent. The Bureau represents solely to the vessel Owner or client of the Bureau that when assigning class it will use due diligence in the development of Rules, Guides and standards, and in using normally applied testing standards, procedures and techniques as called for by the Rules, Guides, standards or other criteria of the Bureau for the purpose of assigning and maintaining class. The Bureau further

represents to the vessel Owner or other client of the Bureau that its certificates and reports evidence compliance only with one or more of the Rules, Guides, standards or other criteria of the Bureau in accordance with the terms of such certificate or report. Under no circumstances whatsoever are these representations to be deemed to relate to any third party.

The user of this document is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and other governmental directives and orders related to a vessel, its machinery and equipment, or their operation. Nothing contained in any Rule, Guide, standard, certificate or report issued by the Bureau shall be deemed to relieve any other entity of its duty or responsibility to comply with all applicable laws, including those related to the environment.