A. Introduction

29.001 Ship inspection and survey organisations1 are long-established, necessary and systemically important to shipping. In terms of longevity, their origins lie in, at least, the mid-eighteenth century so they have provided useful and important services to the shipping community, and beyond, for at least 250 years. They are systemically important because they allow insurers to insure ships and cargoes, provide a protective layer in the fight to ensure safety of shipping and give some reassurance to the shipping community participants. They therefore serve both public and private functions. The tenth recital to Directive 2009/152 provides that “ship inspection and survey organisations play an important role in [European Union (“EU”)] legislation concerning maritime safety.”