08 September 2016
The new agreement will help define and implement safety standards for passengers, crew, and cargo on board ships and vessels, including those carrying the Omani flag, to ensure they are compliant with GCC standards before they set sail

Abu Dhabi: Oman's Ministry of Transport and Communications "MOTC" has signed an agreement with Emirates Classification Society, TASNEEF, authorizing it to inspect the small ships that are not abiding by the international conventions in GCC countries. The agreement will help ensure that all ships and vessels are compliant with the safety requirements of the GCC "GCC CODE".

The Emirates classification society, TASNEEF, was appointed alongside British and Italian classification societies, Lloyd's Register and RINA, and will be authorized to conduct technical surveys for ships that carry the Omani flag, and issue international certificates and accreditation for ship safety, anti-pollution compliance, collision prevention, cargo thresholds and more.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Saeed bin Hamdoon bin Saif Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs in MOTC and on behalf of the Emirates Classification Society "TASNEEF", Eng. Rashed Al Hebsi.

Commenting on the importance of this agreement, Eng. Rashed Al Hebsi, CEO of TASNEEF, said, "We are proud of gaining the trust of the Sultanate of Oman and for this opportunity to work on the ships that fall under the agreement. TASNEEF is expecting to open its Oman branch by the end of this year and will therefore be handling the required inspections and certifications." 

Al Hebsi added "We are proud to stand alongside international classification societies as it highlights our capabilities and resources in the maritime field, especially when it comes to GCC specifications. This region has exceptional experience in building and operating ships, and this new agreement confirms the importance of having regional classification societies filling the gaps in the maritime industry. This is also great leverage to expand and strengthen the center of the region's economy, as it allows the region to make use of its geographical location and natural resources. Oman has a rich and reputable history as an international trade and maritime hub."

H.E. Saeed bin Hamdoon bin Saif Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs in MOTC also highlighted that signing this agreement with the confirmed international classification societies accommodates the requirements of Omani maritime laws and international maritime safety conventions. He confirmed that as per this agreement, TASNEEF will handle the inspection of that are not abiding by the international conventions as well as the issuance of technical certificates.

These are small ships with a total length of 12 meters and a total tonnage of less than 500 tons (500 GT). These standards have been agreed from the GCC in the year 2012, wherein GCC countries approved a list of safety standards for ships that aren't covered by the international conventions, and applied the formulated specifications to vessels that are registered and operating within the GCC.

About Tasneef
Emirates Classification Society "Tasneef" was established in 2012 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The main activity is the Classification of ships and offshore platforms. Tasneef is already a member of the Dubai Council for Marine & Maritime Industries, which is an umbrella body promoting the interests of the industry.

For further details, kindly contact:
Effat Mostafa
PR & Communication Manager 
Tactics Creative Communication                                                                   
Tel: +971 4 4518636                                                                                     
Fax: +971 4 4518646                                                                                    
Mobile:+971 554147882 
E-mail: effat@tactics.ae   
P.O.Box: 9621 Dubai U.A.E
Business Bay - Churchill Tower - Office 502 

© Press Release 2016