Container Certification Procedure

• REVIEW drawings and design specifications of the containers to verify compliance to ABS Rules, to the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) and to the codes, regulations and standards specified by the owner to the manufacturer based upon their intended service (general or restricted).

• WITNESS the structural testing of the prototype container, which is representative of the production series. Each test represents a method of actual operational handling or storage, such as stowing below deck, top lifting by spreader or bottom lifting by slings, racking on deck and longitudinal restraint on chassis in railcars. An industry established safety factor is built into each test.

• SURVEY the production of containers and monitor the manufacturer's quality control procedures. The inspection of production to ensure structural integrity focuses on the use of the issued and approved materials and on the adequate assembly, usually by welding.

• ISSUE an ABS certificate attesting to the containers' compliance with the specified codes, regulations or standards, and their structural fitness for a particular service or use. Containers for certain services, such as refrigerated containers transporting perishable cargo, or tank containers transporting hazardous materials, may receive additional certificates or approvals.