All ships being assigned class with the Society 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.

The construction symbol will be assigned to ships built under the supervision of DNV.

The construction symbol will be assigned to ships built under the supervision of another IACS member society and later assigned class with DNV. For such ships the class notations which DNV considers to have the equivalent intent will be assigned.

Ships built without supervision of DNV or another IACS member society will not be assigned construction symbol when classed with DNV.

The notation 1A1 will be assigned to ships with hull, machinery, systems and equipment found to be in compliance with applicable rule requirements as given in the DNV Rules for Classification of Ships, parts 2, 3 and 4. The notation will also be assigned to ships designed and constructed in accordance with the rules of another classification society, and later assigned class with DNV.