Page 27: of Marine News Magazine (May 2013)

considerable international reach. The blue water emphasis, for example, has been on the implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) code. ClassNK was deeply in-volved with its development, annually conducts more than 5,000 vessel ISM audits, and arguably offers unmatched experience with safety management. Says ClassNK Chairman and Presi- dent Ueda, ?It?s that experience and understanding that we hope to offer to owners and operators on America?s rivers. ? CLASS NK: FOCUSED ON MARITIME, GROWING IN NORTH AMERICAAs some classi cation societies ex- pand beyond their traditional roles, ClassNK looks on with interest. Bu- reau Veritas, for example, has become a massive global organization, and maritime is just one of many business sectors. The merger of DNV and GL promises the beginning of another such organization. Ueda said recently, ?Their success and growth outside traditional ship classi cation is truly impressive. For us at ClassNK, we are solely focused on the maritime indus-try.? He adds that the number of new treaties and regulations entering into force will provide more than enough opportunities for ClassNK to contin- ue its growth in core markets. It might come as surprise to some domestic operators, but ClassNK has total of nine of ces covering most American ports, including the Paci c Coast and Columbia River, Atlantic Coast, St. Lawrence Seaway, the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi River, and Great Lakes. ClassNK surveyors annually carry out more than 1,000 surveys and audits in North America, serving not only the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S.  ag interests, but also more than 100 different foreign governments. Referencing the coming Subchap- ter M regulations, Uedu added, ?This is an important step forward for the brown water industry, and we real- ize this will be a major transition for many owners and operators. We are in the process of developing new updated training programs to ensure our surveyors can effectively translate their extensive experience in ISM/ ISPS safety and security management certi cation to assist the brown water industry when the new Subchapter M regulation comes into effect.? With a subtle nod towards the po- tential competition posed by other classi cation societies, Ueda had this to say: ?We have steadily added new staff and expanded our service net- work as our workload in the U.S. has grown, and with the implementation of the new Subchapter M regulation, we will be increasing our staff and ex- panding our service network to better cover the US river system. We are cur- rently looking into strategic locations for new of ces to expedite the TSMS Certi cations along the Mississippi and Columbia River networks, and we expect to have new of ces in place well prior to the implementation of the new Subchapter M regulation. ON THE HORIZON Like everyone else, ClassNK and SMS LLC will be looking to achieve subM audit and inspection approvals when and if they come. Nevertheless, SMS? Mahoney says, ?The  nal rule has to come  rst. I would be surprised if that happens in 2013. People have time and they need to take a deep breath.? Mahoney adds that he and his colleagues have worked alongside ClassNK in the past, they are familiar with one another, and that the recent acquisition of his  rm was a logical manifestation of a longstanding re- lationship. That relationship could eventually develop into many more in the United States. Making friends and helping them, all along the in-land waterways: That?s the real plan at ClassNK. www.marinelink.com MN 27MN May2013 Layout 18-31.indd 27MN May2013 Layout 18-31.indd 275/3/2013 12:53:37 PM5/3/2013 12:53:37 PM