Certify your container weighing process and demonstrate compliance with SOLAS 74 requirements
The determination of the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) is a fundamental requirement for the maritime transport of containers.
The international SOLAS 74 Convention (Safety Of Life At Sea), issued by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), requires container weight to be determined through controlled and documented procedures. Organisations using Method 2, which is based on weighing all individual items loaded into the container, must implement certified procedures.
Certification enables organisations to demonstrate that their process complies with the applicable regulatory requirements.
RINA certifies the quality management system applied to the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) determination process for containers, in accordance with the requirements of the SOLAS 74 Convention and ISO 9001.
The certification is intended for organisations that determine VGM using Method 2, based on weighing the individual items loaded into the container, including packaging materials and securing devices.
To obtain certification, organisations must hold a valid ISO 9001 certification and have implemented a procedure compliant with SOLAS requirements for VGM determination.
Organisations already certified to ISO 9001 by RINA can proceed directly with the verification of their weighing procedure. Alternatively, they may undertake an ISO 9001 certification process specifically applied to the weighing activity. Following a successful assessment, RINA issues an accredited certificate subject to periodic surveillance audits.
RINA is authorised to act on behalf of more than 100 flag States in SOLAS-related verification and certification activities.
We provide our services to shipowners and maritime operators worldwide through a global network of engineering centres and offices, supported by highly qualified personnel.
VGM (Verified Gross Mass) is the verified gross mass of a container required under the SOLAS Convention for international maritime shipments.
Yes, organisations that determine VGM using Method 2 must implement procedures that comply with the requirements established by the applicable regulations.
Organisations must hold an ISO 9001 certification and have implemented a weighing procedure compliant with the SOLAS 74 Convention.
The regulation applies to all types of containers, including standard containers, tank containers, and flat racks, and represents a fundamental requirement for ensuring the safety of maritime transport operations.
SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) stands for the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and is an IMO regulation originally adopted in 1914 following the Titanic disaster.
On 1 July 2016, amendments to the SOLAS 74 Convention concerning the international maritime shipment of containers entered into force. These amendments require certified procedures for weighing activities used to determine a container's Verified Gross Mass (VGM) according to Method 2..
