Class notations are assigned to vessels in order to determine applicable rule requirements for assignment and retention of class.

All ships being assigned class with DNV will be given a class notation consisting of a construction symbol, a main character of class, service area restriction notations and main ship type notations, as applicable. Class notations cover mandatory and optional requirements. Class notations may be given a supplemental symbol. The supplement is used to identify special requirements or limitations related to the class notation.

All class notations are listed and categorised in the DNV Rules for Classification of Ships, part 1, chapter 2 and the DNV Rules for High Speed, Light Craft and Naval Surface Craft, part 1, chapter 1. To purchase the Rules, please go to our webshop.

Examples of typical class notations:

		Example 1	Example 2	Example 3
Mandatory class notations	Construction symbol
	Main character of class	1A1	1A1	1A1
	Main ship types	Bulk Carrier ESP	Tanker for Oil ESP
	Mandatory survey scheme related to a survey scheme for bulk and ore carriers and tankers	ESP	ESP
	Additional class notations for main ship types	ES(S) CSR BC-A Holds 2,4,6 may be empty	CSR
Optional class notations	Related to ship types			Supply Vessel
	Related to cargo			LFL
	Related to service area	ICE-1A
	Related to survey scheme	TMON	TMON	CLEAN
	Related to equipment and systems	E0	E0 VCS-2	DEICE E0 F-AM RPS NAUT-AW HELDK-SH
	Related to design features		PLUS	SF
	NAUTICUS notations	NAUTICUS (Newbuilding)
*) For certain types of ships, the NAUTICUS (Newbuilding) notation is mandatory and part of main class.

Please use the left menu for a descripton of each of our class notations. An extensive descriptions of each notation will be added shortly.