The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has stepped up its digitalization drive and started issuing electronic certificates for all its classed vessels.
Vijay Arora, Joint Managing Director of IRClass, says that the e-certificates are in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines and, provided the vessel’s flag state has approved its use, are being issued to all IRClass newbuilding vessels on delivery as well as existing vessels on completion of their upcoming renewal surveys.
“As a classification society focused on driving the maritime industry forward, we are looking towards stepping up on our digitalisation efforts in various other areas in the near future – as technological advancements continue to transform the industry at a rapid pace,” Arora said in a statement released today.
“The implementation of IRClass e-certificates are expected to reduce administrative burden and document handling costs for ship owners, coupled with increasing operational efficiency.”
The e-certificates are incorporated with a digital signature and a unique tracking number for online verification purposes. This allows the user to determine the validity of the certificates – to ensure that they have not been falsified or tampered with.
The authenticity, originality and traceability of the e-certificates are easily verifiable through the IRClass Verification Portal, with access made available for any stakeholder who wishes to confirm the information contained in the e-certificates.
