IACS Council failed to agree that termination of the Polish Register of Shipping’s membership last June was unjust and not merited by the circumstances surrounding the loss of bulk carrier MV ‘Leader L’ in March. “This decision will not prevent us from developing our activities in the maritime safety sector”, stated PRS Director General.

The IACS Council panel - comprised of representatives from American Bureau of Shipping, China Classification Society, Class NK, Germanischer Lloyd and the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping - met last Friday, 8 December, at the UK Chamber of Shipping to hear statements made by PRS management representatives including Dr Jan Jankowski, Director General of the Polish Register.

Permanent Secretary of IACS Robin Bradley acted as moderator during the proceedings, which were conducted in the presence of J E Davis as IACS’ appointed independent observer. Even though the Council of IACS was not fully represented at the hearing, with BV, DNV, KR, LR, and RINA being notable absentees, “that part of the hearing attended by PRS was properly and fairly conducted,” states Dr Jankowski. However, he expressed bitter disappointment “we have to conclude that our safety-related proposals were ignored. This leads us to the belief that factors other than safety and technical principles are driving IACS and the policies which dictate its administration and decisions,” Jankowski said.

The Polish Register has reaffirmed its determination to be an active, responsible and successful classification society, with the aim of continuing and expanding its contribution to the improvement of maritime safety.