The changing role of ship classification societies. Discussion. Authors' closure

This brief paper sketches the dilemma confronting the maritime industry on the expanding functions and influence of classification societies. Basically, it asks the questions : Whom do they serve, and more importantly, whom should they serve ? The answers form the heart of this controversial issue that SNAME (Society of naval architects and marine engineers), through its advisory public service committee, decided to debate at the 1997 annual meeting through a plenary session.