The Lloyd's Register Group is a maritime classification society and independent risk management organisation providing risk assessment and mitigation services and management systems certification. Historically, as Lloyd's Register of Shipping, it was a specifically maritime organisation. In the late 20th century it diversified into other sectors, including oil & gas, process industries, nuclear and rail. Through its 100% subsidiary LRQA it is also a leading provider of management system certification to ISO9001, ISO14001 and OSHAS18001.

Origin

Like the famous international insurance market, Lloyd's of London, Lloyd's Register owes its name and foundation to the 17th century coffee house in London frequented by merchants, marine underwriters, and others, all connected with shipping. The owner, Edward Lloyd, helped them to exchange information by circulating a printed sheet of all the news he heard. In 1760, the Register Society was formed by the customers of the coffee house.

Other than this historical connection, Lloyd's Register is unrelated to Lloyd's of London.

The Register

The Society printed the first Register of Ships in 1764 in order to give both underwriters and merchants an idea of the condition of the vessels they insured and chartered: ship hulls were graded on a lettered scale (A being the top), and ship's fittings (masts, rigging, and other equipment) was graded by number (1 being the top). Thus the top classification was "A1", from which the expression A1, or A1 at Lloyd's, is derived, first appeared in the 1775–1776 edition of the Register.

Since 1880, the Register, with information on all sea-going, self-propelled merchant ships of 100 gross tonnes or greater, has been published annually by the joint venture company of Lloyd's Register - Fairplay. It was formed in July 2001 by the merger of Lloyd's Register's Maritime Information Publishing Group and Prime Publications Limited.

A vessel will remain in the Register until something happens to her; for example if she is sunk, wrecked, broken up, hulked, scrapped, etc.

Classification Rules

Lloyd's provides quality assurance and certification for important ship's components and accessories, including life-saving appliances, marine pollution prevention, fire protection, navigation, radio communication equipment, deck gear, cables, rodes, and anchors.

Location

Lloyd's Register's main London office is located at 71 Fenchurch Street and Lloyd's Register maintains a network of offices globally.

External links

• Lloyd's Register
• Lloyd's Register - Fairplay Ltd.
• Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance
• IACS - International Association of Classification Societies

References