Procedure

Step-by-Step Process for Type Approval

STEP 1: PDA APPLICATION

Please complete the application form and send the submittal package to the nearest engineering office.

Submittal Package Includes:

• Application Form
  • For original equipment manufacturer and patent holders, please fill out the online PDA Application Form.
  • For secondary manufacturers, please fill out the PDA-Duplicate Application Form.
• Electronic copies of applicable drawings, datasheets, test results, etc.
• Sufficient data to verify compliance with stated standards
• Must be specific to the intended services stated on the application.

Standards for Approval:

• ABS Rules and Guides
• US National and/or Foreign National
• US Federal and/or Foreign Federal
• International Standards (e.g. IMO, SOLAS, FTP Code)
• Manufacturer's standards.

STEP 2: PRODUCT DESIGN ASSESSMENT

A PDA is a technical evaluation of a product for use on a variety of ABS-classed units. ABS Engineers verify product compliance with manufacturers’ specifications, applicable ABS Rules and national or international standards.

Design Evaluation:

• ABS technical office reviews the product design to the most current Rules and Standards

Prototype Testing or Type Testing:

• During technical review, if deemed necessary, prototype testing or type testing needs to be arranged with the local port office

Issuance of Product Design Assessment Certificate (PDA):

• A PDA Certificate is valid for 5 years, subject to design modification and rule changes
• PDAs will be listed in the ABS Type Approval database
• PDA holders are eligible to use ABS Design Assessed logos
• Product status becomes: Design Assessed

STEP 3: MANUFACTURER ASSESSMENT

If the manufacturer wants a product to be labeled Type Approved, inspection of the product during manufacture, an assessment of the quality control system and manufacturing processes plant must be satisfactorily completed, this is a Manufacturing Assessment (MA).

Please complete the Type Approval Audits Request Form and send a signed copy 
 to the nearest port office.

Eligibility:

• Manufacturing facility
• Valid PDA Certificates or PDA-Duplicate Certificates
• Valid ISO 9001 Certification, or equivalent

Issuance of MA Certificate:

• A MA Certificate is valid for 5 years, subject to annual plant audits
• MA details will be listed in the associated PDA Certificates

STEP 4: TYPE APPROVAL CERTIFICATION

The PDA and the MA together result in Type Approval.

• Product status becomes: Type Approved (PDA+MA)
• Confirmation of Type Approval (PDF) is automatically generated for manufacturers who have both PDA and MA in the Type Approval database
• Manufacturers are eligible to use ABS Type Approved logos in marketing materials.

If you have any questions, please contact Corporate ABS Programs at absta-programs@eagle.org for assistance.