Isthmus Bureau of Shipping, also known as ClassIBS, is a ship classification society. The principal work of the Society’s expert technical staff is to undertake surveys to ensure that the rules that apply to existing ships are followed, in order to ensure the safety of these vessels and the prevention of marine pollution. The rules cover hull structure, safety equipment, cargo handling gear, engines, machinery, and electrical and control systems. Although based in Panama as our Head Office, ClassIBS has representation through a network of exclusive surveyor sites in 29 countries. ClassIBS surveyors work in ports across the globe, wherever they may be called upon to examine the condition of a ship, so that all of the Society’s services are available worldwide. In addition to its classification activities, ClassIBS conducts surveys on behalf of third parties including State administrations, and verifies the safety management systems of ship-management companies and ships, in accordance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code