What is a Quarterly Listing Issued by a Classification Society?
In the world of merchant shipping, staying on top of a vessel’s compliance and maintenance status is critical. One of the key documents that help ship owners, managers, and technical operators do this is the Quarterly Listing, issued by the vessel’s classification society.
What is a Quarterly Listing?
A Quarterly Listing is an official document provided by a ship’s classification society that contains a comprehensive summary of the vessel’s classification status and survey records. Traditionally, this document was issued every three months and sent in hard copy to shipowners and operators — hence the name “quarterly”. Today, these listings can be accessed in real time through the classification society’s online portal using a secure login.
What Does the Quarterly Listing Contain?
The Quarterly Listing is a snapshot of the vessel’s operational and regulatory status. It typically includes:
- Vessel’s Name and IMO Number
- Registered Owner and Technical Operator details
- Status of Statutory Survey records and Class Survey records, along with their due dates and survey windows
- Class Notations that describe the vessel’s build, operational type, and special features
- Year the vessel was built
- Continuous Machinery Survey (CMS) information, including the last inspection date if the owner has opted for CMS
- Pending Conditions of Class (CoC) or Outstanding Recommendations, along with their deadlines
- Memorandums or Notes, set by the classification society for upcoming regulatory requirements or minor observations that need attention during major surveys such as dry-docking
Why is the Quarterly Listing Important?
The Quarterly Listing is an essential tool for vessel owners and operators to:
- Track upcoming survey dates and plan dry-docking or inspections
- Monitor and address pending CoCs before they become overdue
- Stay compliant with new international maritime regulations
- Ensure the vessel remains in good standing with its classification society and avoid detentions or commercial setbacks
How is it accessed today?
While these reports were traditionally printed and physically distributed, modern classification societies now offer digital access. Owners and technical managers can log in with their credentials on the classification society’s website to view and download the latest version of the Quarterly Listing on a real-time basis.
Conclusion
In short, the Quarterly Listing is more than just a document — it’s a health report card for your vessel. It allows shipowners, operators, and managers to maintain oversight, ensure timely action, and keep the vessel operating safely and compliantly in international waters.
Pro Tip: If you’re managing a vessel, make it a routine to check your Quarterly Listing regularly through your classification society’s online portal
