Class Suspension and Withdrawal
Maintaining a valid classification status with Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (BKI) is a shared responsibility that confirms a vessel's compliance with established technical standards for safety and structural integrity. The class status is contingent upon the vessel's adherence to BKI Rules and undergoing periodic surveys. In cases where these conditions are not met, BKI may be required to suspend or withdraw the vessel's class. This policy outlines the conditions under which a vessel's classification status may change.
Class Suspension
Class suspension is a temporary measure indicating that the vessel is not in compliance with BKI Rules. During suspension, all classification certificates are rendered invalid. The vessel's information will be updated accordingly in the BKI Register of Ships. BKI will suspend a vessel's class under the following circumstances:
Overdue Surveys
When an Annual, Intermediate, Special, or other required survey becomes overdue by more than three (3) months, unless the vessel is under attendance by a BKI surveyor for the completion of the survey.
Unrepaired Damages
When defects, damages, or structural failures are discovered that affect the vessel's seaworthiness, and corrective actions are not arranged to the satisfaction of the attending surveyor.
Failure to Report
When an owner fails to inform BKI of damages or incidents that could reasonably be expected to impact the vessel's classification status.
Non-Compliance with Recommendations
When a recommendation or Condition of Class issued by a surveyor is not rectified within the specified timeframe.
Unauthorized Modifications
When significant repairs, alterations, or conversions affecting the vessel's structure or machinery are carried out without prior consultation and approval from BKI.
Class Withdrawal
Class withdrawal is the formal and permanent cancellation of a vessel's classification with BKI. A withdrawn vessel is no longer certified by BKI and is removed from the BKI Register of Ships. Classification will be withdrawn under the following circumstances:
At the Owner's Request
Upon receiving a formal written request from the vessel's owner.
Failure to Remedy Suspension
When the conditions that led to a class suspension are not rectified within a six (6) month period. This period may be extended at BKI's discretion for vessels in lay-up, under repair, or awaiting an accident investigation report.
Immediate Withdrawal for Critical Breaches
BKI reserves the right to withdraw class with immediate effect if a vessel leaves port without completing critical recommendations or repairs that were explicitly required for maintaining its seaworthiness.
Vessel is Declared a Total Loss
When a vessel is declared a Constructive Total Loss (CTL), is lost at sea, or is confirmed to be proceeding to a scrapyard for demolition or recycling.
Non-Payment of Fees
When fees for services rendered remain unpaid for an extended period, leading to a fundamental breach of the classification agreement.
Important
Reinstatement of Class
To lift a suspension, the vessel's owner must complete all overdue surveys, rectify all outstanding recommendations and deficiencies, and have the corrective actions verified by a BKI surveyor. Upon satisfactory completion, class will be reinstated, and the vessel's certificates will be revalidated.
Reinstatement of class after withdrawal is not automatic. The vessel must undergo a comprehensive set of surveys, equivalent to a vessel applying for BKI class for the first time, to ensure it fully complies with all applicable BKI Rules.
on our policies, vessel owners and operators are encouraged to maintain open communication with their local BKI office.
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