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Classification certificate Translation
Our team of sworn translators prepares your classification certificate translation for notarisation where the receiving institution requires it. We provide information about apostilles and consular legalisation; we do not submit or manage these applications.
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A classification certificate shows that a vessel was built in accordance with the rules of a classification society (such as Türk Loydu, DNV, Bureau Veritas, ABS or RINA) and maintains compliance through surveys. It is one of the most critical parts of insurance, financing, chartering and sale and purchase files.
The survey types, class notations and rule references in the certificate use specialized technical language; these notations must be rendered using established equivalents. Class marks and symbols are not translated and are preserved unchanged; explanatory text is translated into the target language.
Which institutions request this document?
- P&I clubs and hull and machinery insurers
- Banks — in ship financing and mortgage files
- Charter parties and brokers
- Foreign flag administrations and port state control units
Certification requirements
A sworn translation is usually sufficient for commercial files; notarization may be required for loan and registration procedures.
It is rarely required; the classification society's own verification channels are considered sufficient in most procedures.
There is no universal rule. The institution requesting the document determines its certification requirements. The information above describes common practice. Tell us which institution you are applying to and we will help clarify the required certification.
Preparing your document
- Send the entire certificate with its annexes (survey status, conditions)
- Specify the vessel's classification society and any other certificates in the file
- If you regularly work with a classification society, terminology is aligned with previous translations
Frequently asked questions
Are class marks and notations translated?
No; marks and notations belong to the society's own system and are preserved unchanged. Only explanatory text is translated; where needed, the meaning of a notation is explained in square brackets.
Do intermediate survey records also need to be translated?
The requesting institution determines this. In insurance and sale files, an up-to-date survey status record is usually required together with the certificate.
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