Procedure for Becoming Type Approved

Step 1: Application

Submittal Package Includes:

• Completed application
• Application (MS Word format)
• One electronic copy of applicable drawings, datasheets, test results, etc.
• Sufficient data to verify compliance with stated standards
• Must be specific to the intended services stated on the application

Standards for Approval:

• ABS Rules and Guides
• US National and Foreign National
• US Federal
• Foreign Federal (Administrative)
• International (IMO) Safety (SOLAS)
• Manufacturer's standards

Step 2: Evaluation and Assessment

Design Evaluation:

• ABS technical office reviews plans; where satisfied, plans are approved and a PDA (certificate) is issued

Prototype Test

Management Assessment:

• Performed by local ABS surveyor
• Standardized checklists for surveyor guidance
• Requirements not applicable for all clients
• Emphasis on quality control
• Based on ISO 9000 standard

Production Assessment:

• Performed by local ABS surveyor
• Standardized checklists for surveyor guidance 
• Production surveillance will be conducted on an annual basis

Step 3: Type Approval Certification

In some cases a Unit Certification test by a surveyor may be required for each production unit of equipment.

Issuance of Certificate:

• ABS port office issues a five-year Manufacturing Assessment Certificate to the manufacturer
• Product is included in ABS List of Type Approved Equipment and ABS website
• Manufacturer may market product as ABS Type Approved on the equipment
• Certification of Type Approval may then be printed from the website

Maintenance of ABS Type Approval:

• Annual plant surveillance
• Products may be added to listing without interim plant surveys
• New products or changes to existing products may necessitate additional design review