SERVICES
BKI Classification & Class Survey Support
Nautinix supports the classification process with Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (BKI), from initial classification through annual, intermediate and special surveys, and follows up conditions of class so your vessel’s class stays active and the certificates that depend on it remain valid.
Understanding BKI Classification
BKI classification is the assessment and survey carried out by PT Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia (Persero), Indonesia’s national classification society, to confirm that a ship’s hull, machinery and electrical installations are built and maintained to the BKI Rules. A ship that meets the requirements is assigned a class and receives Classification Certificates for hull and machinery. Under PM 7 of 2013, as amended by PM 61 of 2014, an Indonesian-flagged ship must be classed if its length between perpendiculars is 20 metres or more, its gross tonnage is GT 100 or more, or its main propulsion is 250 HP or more. The recognised societies are BKI and foreign IACS-member societies that have a branch office and Indonesian surveyors in Indonesia. Fishing vessels and traditionally built wooden ships are exempt. Class is maintained through annual, intermediate and special surveys; if a survey is missed, class may be suspended.
Documents & Permits Covered
- Initial classification with BKI for newbuilds and existing ships
- Tracking of annual, intermediate, special and docking survey dates
- Hull and Machinery Classification Certificates
- Follow-up of conditions of class and surveyor recommendations
- Coordination of statutory certificates issued on behalf of the Government of Indonesia
- Reinstatement of suspended class
BKI Classification Requirements
- Nationality document and tonnage certificate (Surat Ukur)
- Technical particulars: main dimensions, GT, main engine and its power (HP)
- Construction drawings and general arrangement plan (for initial classification)
- Previous class certificates, survey reports and outstanding conditions of class (if any)
- Plate thickness measurements where the surveyor requires them, usually for older ships
- Vessel ready for survey, including a dry-docking slot if the bottom must be inspected
BKI Classification: Process and Timeline
- Consultation and check of class status, certificates and survey due dates
- Document preparation and application for classification or survey at the nearest BKI office
- Scheduling the surveyor around the vessel’s location and survey window
- On-board support during hull, machinery and electrical surveys
- Follow-up of recommendations and conditions of class until they are cleared
- Issuance or endorsement of the Classification Certificate, with the next survey date logged
Estimated Time
Estimate: a periodic survey on board is usually short when the ship is ready, but the overall time depends on BKI surveyor availability at the location, the docking schedule and the number of findings. Initial classification takes longer because drawings and technical documents are reviewed before the survey. The annual survey window runs from three months before to three months after the class anniversary date; preparing as soon as it opens is the most effective way to avoid suspension.
What Makes Up the Cost of BKI Classification
Classification costs have two separate parts. Survey and classification certificate fees are set and invoiced by BKI under its applicable tariff. The Nautinix service fee covers the class status check, document preparation, surveyor scheduling and support until the certificate is issued. Both are itemised in our quotation once the class status and the vessel’s condition have been reviewed.
What Affects the Cost
- Type of work: initial classification, periodic survey or class reinstatement
- Vessel size, type and age
- Vessel location and the need for dry-docking
- Number of conditions of class or findings to close
- Urgency, for example class that is suspended or about to be
Common Problems with BKI Classification
- Classification status suspended due to missed survey schedules
- Unclear about when BKI annual and special survey is due
- Vessel fails survey without adequate preparation
How Nautinix Helps
We accompany the initial classification process, monitor BKI annual and special survey schedules, coordinate issuance of Hull and Machinery Classification Certificates, and statutory certificates issued on behalf of the Government of Indonesia.
Why Handle BKI Classification with Nautinix?
- Annual, intermediate, special and docking survey due dates mapped from your ship’s certificates and latest survey reports
- Reminders before each survey window closes, so class is never suspended because of a missed survey
- Hands-on follow-up of conditions of class and surveyor recommendations until they are cleared
- Class status kept in line with statutory certificates and other ship documents, so it never holds up port clearance or certificate renewal
BKI Classification FAQ
Does my ship need BKI class?
Under PM 7 of 2013, as amended by PM 61 of 2014, an Indonesian-flagged ship must be classed if it meets any one of these criteria: length between perpendiculars of 20 metres or more, GT 100 or more, or main propulsion of 250 HP or more. Fishing vessels and traditional wooden ships are exempt. We check this against your ship’s particulars.
Can my ship be classed with a foreign classification society?
PM 7 of 2013 recognises BKI and foreign IACS-member classification societies that have a branch office and Indonesian surveyors in Indonesia. The original provisions that set different class rules for domestic and international voyages, including the dual-class arrangements, were removed by PM 61 of 2014. The choice of society should still be checked against current rules and against route, charterer and insurance requirements. We help you weigh the options and prepare the documents.
My ship’s class is suspended. Can it be reinstated?
Yes. Suspension usually follows a missed periodic survey or a condition of class not cleared by its deadline. Class is reinstated once the overdue survey is carried out and the findings are addressed to the surveyor’s satisfaction. While class is suspended, certificates that depend on it may also lapse, so act quickly. We schedule the survey and help close the findings.
What is the difference between annual, intermediate and special surveys?
An annual survey is held each year within a window around the class anniversary date to check the ship’s general condition. An intermediate survey replaces one annual survey around the second or third year and goes into more depth. The special (class renewal) survey takes place every five years, is the most thorough, and is the basis for a new Classification Certificate.
What is a condition of class?
A condition of class is a repair or further inspection required by the surveyor when a deficiency does not have to be fixed immediately, with a deadline attached. If the deadline passes, class may be suspended. Each condition must therefore be recorded, completed and re-inspected by the surveyor before it falls due. We track this list alongside your ship’s survey schedule.
Does the ship have to dry-dock for a BKI survey?
The bottom inspection (docking survey) is generally carried out twice in each five-year class period, one of them together with the special survey, with a maximum interval between the two. In certain cases the surveyor may accept an in-water survey in place of one of them. We align dry-docking with the survey windows so the ship does not dock more often than necessary.
What are the sanctions if a ship that must be classed is not?
PM 7 of 2013 sets administrative sanctions for owners who do not meet the classification requirement: up to three written warnings, after which the ship is not issued its ship certificates and documents. Without valid certificates, the ship cannot obtain port clearance (SPB). Insurers and charterers also generally require active class. We can start the classification process before it comes to that.
Legal Basis
The main regulations this service refers to. Check the official legal databases (JDIH) for the latest amendments.
- Law No. 17 of 2008 on Shipping (as amended)
- Government Regulation No. 31 of 2021 on the Implementation of the Shipping Sector
- Minister of Transportation Regulation PM 7 of 2013 on Mandatory Classification of Indonesian-Flagged Ships by a Classification Society (amended by PM 61 of 2014)
- SOLAS 1974 — International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (IMO)
Information is general. Actual document requirements depend on vessel type, GT, operating area, and current regulations.
Related Services
- Safety & Pollution Prevention CertificationProcessing vessel safety certificates (construction, equipment, radio), Load Line Certificate, and pollution prevention certificates compliant with MARPOL.
- Vessel Registration & Nationality DocumentsVessel measurement and Surat Ukur (tonnage certificate), registration and Grosse Akta, ownership transfer (balik nama), and the nationality document — Pas Kecil, Pas Besar or Surat Laut depending on GT — that establish your vessel’s legal identity.
- Document Monitoring & RenewalActive monitoring of all your vessel document validity periods and renewal processing before expiry.
- Regulatory & Maritime Compliance ConsultingConsulting service to understand current maritime regulatory obligations — from Kemenhub, KKP, OSS-RBA, to international regulations such as MARPOL and ISM Code.
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