What is the RO Code, and what are the requirements of a recognized organization?
Short answer
| RO Code Part 2 requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Rules and regulations (§2.2) | its own class rules published and kept up to date |
| Independence (§2.3) | no activity that conflicts with independent judgement |
| Impartiality (§2.4) | personnel free from pressure; services open to all without undue conditions |
| Integrity (§2.5) | a Code of Ethics |
| Competence (§2.6) | trained, qualified, examined surveyors and auditors |
| Responsibility (§2.7) | documented responsibilities and authorities |
| Legal basis (§2.8) | a formal written agreement with the flag State, not an MOU |
| Quality management system (§3) | documented, assessed and certified by an accredited body |
- Status: the Code for Recognized Organizations (MSC.349(92)), mandatory under SOLAS XI-1/1 (the Administration authorizes organizations under regulation I/6 in accordance with the Code); Parts 1 and 2 mandatory, Part 3 recommendatory.
- Responsibility never shifts: the flag delegates the work but stays fully responsible; delegation is conditional on the RO proving its capability (section 2.1).
- Part 2 requirements: rules (§2.2), independence (§2.3), impartiality (§2.4), integrity (§2.5), competence (§2.6), responsibility (§2.7), legal basis with a formal written agreement (§2.8), a documented quality management system assessed by an accredited body (§3).
- Trap: the flag-RO relationship is a written agreement, not a Memorandum of Understanding.
- Part 3 oversight: the flag monitors its ROs by periodic review, audits and monitoring of their work; delegation without oversight is not compliance.
- As Chief Engineer: the attending surveyor acts for DGMA under delegated authority (MS Act 2025 s.147); the Administration remains responsible, and the surveyor who consulted on a modification cannot also certify it.
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.