New IACS Blue Book released

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has announced the release yesterday of the IACS Blue Book, Version February 2013.
The Blue Book is an electronic library of technical resolutions (both past and present) adopted by IACS as a result of its technical work and provides an example of how the aims and objectives of the Association are delivered for the benefit of international shipping.
It contains:
• IACS “Unified Requirements” which IACS members incorporate into their Rules
• “Unified Interpretations” of IMO convention requirements which IACS Members apply uniformly when acting on behalf of authorizing flag Administrations, unless instructed otherwise
• “Procedural Requirements” governing practices among IACS Members
• “IACS Charter” and “IACS Procedures” which define the purpose, aim and working procedures of the Association
• “Recommendations” relating to adopted resolutions that are not necessarily matters of Class but which IACS considers would be helpful to offer some advice to the marine industry
• “UR – Unified Requirements Status” advising on implementation status
• HF & TB for UR, UI, PR & Rec. containing the History and Technical Background files for the Unified Requirements, Unified Interpretations, Procedural Requirements and Recommendations
• “Quality Documents” containing QSCS (IACS’ Quality System Certification Scheme) description, Quality Management System Requirements, Audit Requirements, ACB (Accredited Certification Bodies) requirements and other quality procedures
The latest version of the Blue Book is available for downloading from the IACS website: www.iacs.org.uk/publications.
Ship Designers, Consultants, Shipbuilders, Classification Societies, Ship-owners, Shipbrokers, Insurers, Associations, Accredited Certification Bodies, flag States, Port State Control, MOUs and the shipping industry at large are able to download the package free of charge at any time.
The latest release of the IACS Blue Book package continues and enhances our technical support to the shipping industry through IACS work and investment on technology, innovation, research and development both at the classification and statutory levels.
Source: IACS