Shipping and Cruise Lines Certification
Taking measures to avoid collisions with whales and prevent marine pollution. Improving energy efficiency and managing waste and wastewater. Respecting crews’ and workers’ rights.
About the certification
Friend of the Sea shipping and cruise line certification assesses defined vessels and their operations against requirements for pollution prevention, energy efficiency, whale collision measures and working conditions. It examines operational records and practices, including waste, ballast water, antifouling systems and food served on board.
Shipowners and operators can apply for the vessels and services they want assessed. Passengers and business customers can check which vessels are included, while applicants can use this page to understand the requirements, evidence, audit steps and charges.
What can be certified
Shipping and cruise operators can submit vessels such as container ships, refrigerated cargo vessels and cruise ships. The application identifies vessel names, registration and IMO numbers, routes and the vessels to be inspected. Approval covers the agreed vessels and activities; it does not automatically cover the operator’s entire fleet or other services.
What the standard covers
Safety and navigation certificates must be valid, with compliance with applicable IMO rules. If a vessel uses a flag of convenience, it must provide evidence that it meets the environmental and labour provisions of this standard.
Measures include additional lookouts in high-risk areas, speed and route adjustments, ship reporting and crew training. An Important requirement calls for a commitment to implement measures for separate Whale Safe certification at the next dry dock. This does not mean Whale Safe certification is automatically included.
Vessels must not carry or serve tuna that is not Dolphin Safe. IUCN Endangered and Critically Endangered species must not be served. Supporting the use of certified food is required, but not every food item must carry a certification.
Applicable checks cover air pollution certificates, engine emissions, sulphur controls, ozone-depleting substances, incineration records and energy-efficiency documentation, including a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan. Installed shoreside electrical power is an Important requirement; the volatile organic compound provision is a Recommendation.
Applicable MARPOL provisions cover garbage, sewage, harmful substances, bulk liquid cargo and oil. Evidence includes certificates, management plans and discharge records. Avoiding single-use plastic on board is an Important requirement. Collecting lost fishing gear encountered at sea is a Recommendation.
Checks cover ballast-water plans, records and certification; antifouling systems; specified lubricant provisions; protected seawater intakes; and cooling-water filtration. Applicable lubricant measures include transitions at dry dock and equipment-specific alternatives. Checks also cover spill-response training and maintenance or scrapping providers.
Requirements address child labour, minimum legal wages, health care, safety, injury records, freedom of association, collective bargaining, forced labour, discrimination and rights on board. Relevant maritime labour documentation forms part of the evidence.
Collaboration with research organisations to develop technologies that reduce maritime impacts is an Important requirement. Examples include lower fuel consumption, heat recovery, alternative energy generation and hull design.
Where applicable, vessels must not carry specified threatened species, shark fins and seafood from IUU-listed vessels. Specialised refrigerated vessels conducting high-seas transshipment must meet the stated flag, licensing and vessel-monitoring requirements.
Assessment and certification
The audit checks applicable vessel operations, documents and supporting evidence. The certification body records findings and reaches the certification decision for the agreed scope.
Certification fees
Request a quotation for the vessels and activities in your application, including audit charges and logo royalties. The general price list is available for reference, but its species-based vessel categories should not be assumed to define the fee for a cruise or cargo service. The quotation confirms the applicable basis and taxes.
Check certification status
Check the relevant product or service, approved scope and current status in the directory. Contact the team if the listing does not identify the facility, vessel or species you need to verify.
Frequently asked questions
No. Check the vessel names and activities in the approved scope. A vessel or route change should be discussed with the certification team before claims are extended.
No. Shipping certification includes whale collision measures and a commitment concerning a separate Whale Safe assessment. Whale Safe certification requires its own approval.
No. It assesses specified controls and evidence. It is not a claim that a vessel produces no emissions, creates no waste or cannot be involved in a pollution incident.
Prepare vessel and route details, applicable statutory certificates, pollution and ballast-water records, crew and safety evidence, whale collision procedures and relevant catering records. The auditor confirms which criteria apply.
Audit charges and permission to use the logo are separate matters. Request a written quotation identifying the vessels, audit costs and applicable logo royalties. A supplier or other vessel’s approval does not give your business permission to use the logo.
Complete the shipping and cruise lines preliminary information form. Include the vessels, routes and activities to be assessed. If the form does not load, contact the team to provide these details and request a quotation.
Apply for certification
Tell us which vessels and routes you want assessed and provide their registration details and the services they perform.
Submit the preliminary information form to request a scope review and quotation. The initial enquiry does not commit you to proceeding. If the form does not load, email info@friendofthesea.org.