ClassNK e-Certificate
Service for Issuing and Providing Class and Statutory Certificates Electronically
ClassNK e-Certificate issues and provides full-term (final) Class and Statutory Certificates as secured electronic files (PDFs) in place of conventional paper certificates. No application is required for this service. (In principle, e-Certificates have been provided as the standard service since January 2022.)
This service provides the following functions in compliance with the IMO guidelines (FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2 and FAL-LEG-MEPC-MSC.1/Circ.1).
- Protection against tampering and forgery through digital signatures and secured PDF files
- Distribution of electronic certificates via a secure web server
- Online verification of certificate validity
- Access from mobile devices via QR (Quick Response) Code
Please refer to the brochure below for more details.
NEWS
Prevention of Tampering and Forgery of Electronic Certificates
ClassNK electronic certificates are protected against tampering and forgery through the use of digital signatures and secured PDF files.
For details, please refer to the Declaration Letter (PDF) available under “Declaration Letter regarding the use of electronic certificates” on this page.
When verifying the authenticity and validity of an electronic certificate (PDF version), please first confirm the following:
- A ClassNK Digital Signature is displayed on the PDF file.
- The PDF file is protected.
Beware of Fraudulent Verification Websites
In recent years, in addition to cases of tampering and forgery of electronic certificates, fraudulent websites imitating electronic certificate verification sites have also been identified.
If you have any doubts as to whether an electronic certificate was issued by ClassNK, please verify its authenticity and validity using the official ClassNK verification site to avoid being misled by fraudulent verification sites.
Do not use any QR code displayed on a suspected counterfeit certificate. Instead, please search for the official ClassNK verification site using a search engine or access it directly via the URL below.
After accessing the site, enter the IMO number and the Tracking ID shown on the certificate to verify its authenticity and validity.
Official ClassNK Verification Site
https://e-certificate.classnk.or.jp/CERF00000.aspx
Open the Official Verification SiteRegister of Ships
Detailed information on the vessel concerned can also be found in the Register of Ships on the ClassNK website.
https://www.classnk.or.jp/register/regships/regships.aspx
View Vessel InformationIf there are any discrepancies between the information shown on the verification site and the certificate in your possession, or if you identify any counterfeit certificates resembling those issued by ClassNK, or any unauthorized certificates falsely claiming to be issued by ClassNK, please promptly contact the service inquiry point listed below.
The latest electronic certificates (PDF versions) can be downloaded by ship management companies and shipowners via ClassNK Customer Hub - Ship in Service and NK-SHIPS.
For further details, please refer to “ClassNK Customer Hub - Ship in Service -” on the ClassNK website.
Declaration Letter regarding the use of electronic certificates
For presentation to third parties, users of the electronic certificate service should download the Declaration Letter below and keep it on board together with the electronic certificates. (IMO guideline requirement)
IMO Guidelines
| Guideline No. | Title | Website |
|---|---|---|
| FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2 | GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATES | International Maritime Organization (IMO) |
| FAL-LEG-MEPC-MSC.1/CIRC.1 | GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF ELECTRONIC CERTIFICATES | International Maritime Organization (IMO) |
List of Flag States Authorizing the Issuance of e-Certificates
Latest Update
"NEW" Solomon Islands
ClassNK has received approval from the competent authority of Solomon Islands to issue electronic certificates.
Flag states that have been added or updated are marked "NEW" for six months.
A
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
B
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Brazil
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
C
- Cayman Islands
- Cook Islands
- Curacao
- Cyprus
D
- Denmark
- Dominica
F
- Finland
G
- Georgia
- Germany
- Gibraltar
H
- Hong Kong
I
- India
- Isle of Man
J
- Japan
- Jordan
K
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
L
- Liberia
- Luxembourg
- Lithuania
M
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Myanmar
N
- Netherlands
- Niue
- Norway
O
- Oman
P
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Portugal (RC) & Portugal/Madeira
S
- Saudi Arabia
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Singapore
- "NEW" Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- ST. Kitts And Nevis
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Switzerland
T
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- Tuvalu
U
- UAE
- UK
- USA
V
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
For the authorization status of flag states not listed above, please contact the Classification Department (Certification Section).
FAQ & User Manual
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
ClassNK e-Certificate User Manual
Contact
Classification Department (Certification Section), NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI
- FAX
- +81-43-294-5449
- nkecert@classnk.or.jp