Material and equipment

Certification solutions for an efficient maritime transportation

Various types of tests are conducted to evaluate the performance and suitability of items for marine applications, such as:

- Testing of materials used in ship construction. This includes mechanical tests to assess their strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance, as well as non-destructive testing methods like ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, and magnetic particle inspection.

- Fire tests on materials and components to assess their fire resistance, flame spread, smoke generation, and toxicity. These tests ensure compliance with international regulations and standards like the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention.

- Electrical components and equipment, including cables, connectors, switchgear, and control systems, are subjected to electrical performance tests. This involves checks for insulation resistance, dielectric strength, short circuit withstand capability, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) to prevent interference with other ship systems.

- Machinery components and systems are tested to verify their performance, efficiency, and environmental impact through specific Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).

- Noise and vibration levels on ships can impact crew comfort, machinery performance, and structural integrity. Testing is conducted to measure and analyze noise and vibration characteristics, allowing for the design and installation of appropriate mitigation measures.

- Safety equipment, such as life-saving appliances, fire suppression systems, alarms, and emergency lighting, undergo comprehensive testing to ensure their reliability during emergencies.

Specific testing requirements may vary depending on the type of ship, its intended use, and applicable regulations. Shipbuilders, manufacturers, and classification societies play a significant role in conducting and verifying these tests to ensure the seaworthiness and safety of marine materials, components, and equipment.

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Marine product certificates globally issued

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Marine product certificates issued in Italy

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Type approval

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Companies admitted to the ATS

Why RINA?  

RINA is a leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services in the maritime industry.

We offer a comprehensive range of services that cover the entire lifecycle of ships and maritime operations in areas such as classification and certification, risk assessment, safety management, environmental compliance, energy efficiency, training, and more. This breadth of services allows customers to access multiple solutions from a single provider, streamlining their processes and reducing complexity.

We are at the forefront of technological advancements in the maritime industry to offer innovative solutions that address emerging challenges and opportunities. We leverage digital technologies, data analytics, and automation to enhance our services, improve efficiency, and support customers in optimizing their operations.

As a classification society, we are authorized by more than a hundred flag states and recognized by most of the European Member States.

Choosing us ensures adherence to recognized standards and helps customers meet regulatory requirements.

We operate globally, with a widespread network of offices, laboratories, and experts in strategic maritime locations to provide local support to customers worldwide.

Finally, we are dedicated to sustainability and support the maritime industry in achieving environmental objectives. We offer services related to energy efficiency, emissions reduction, alternative fuels, and green technologies. Our expertise in sustainability enables customers to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Our experts answer the most frequently asked questions

Testing of marine materials, components, and equipment is essential to ensure their safety, reliability, and compliance with regulatory standards. It helps to identify potential weaknesses or flaws that could compromise ship’s systems safety or pose risks in marine environments.

As a rule, materials, machinery, boilers, auxiliary installations, equipment, items etc. (generally referred to as" products") intended for essential services are to be tested and certified by the Classification Society.
Essential service is intended to mean a service necessary for a ship to proceed at sea, be steered or maneuvered, or undertake activities connected with its operation, and for the safety of life, as far as class is concerned.

- Type approval certificate is issued to approve specific types of materials, components, or equipment based on their compliance with relevant standards and regulations. Based on design appraisal and tests on a prototype, the manufacturer shall demonstrate that the product meets certain quality, safety, and performance requirements.
- Certificate of approval of manufacturing process is a compulsory preliminary step of the certifications process for particular materials (e.g. hull steel plates and sections, pipes, casting and forgings, chain cables, pressure bottles) which need to be submitted to final acceptance tests. It is a recognition of the quality level (value) of the production and confirms the capability of the manufacturer to produce with suitable manufacturing processes products complying with the specified requirements.
- Test certificate is released by RINA based on satisfactory outcome of the factory acceptance tests (FAT) and verifications carried out by the manufacturer in the presence of RINA as required by the applicable Class Rules or statutory Regulations requirements. Said certificate attests the compliance of the relevant materials, components or equipment with the applicable Rules and Regulations requirements and may be supported by the relevant test report.

 

Makers may choose two different testing schemes:
- Traditional testing scheme where the RINA technician visits the manufacturing premises and checks the calibration status and adequacy of test measurements devices, identifies the products to be tested and witness the relevant tests;
- Alternative testing scheme: upon satisfactory outcome of the assessment of the Maker production control system carried out by RINA at manufacturing premises, testing activities on products are fully or partially (depending on the product type) delegated to the Maker. The relevant tests certificates are released by RINA upon review of the testing reports.

 

Makers may avail of the expertise of the RINA network and its international recognitions and accreditation as testing, inspection and certification body. RINA follows internationally recognized testing standards and protocols and regularly reviews and updates its testing processes to align with advancements in technology and industry best practices.