This regulation is aimed at the same kind of ships as above that are considered 'potentially dangerous'. In order to undertake these harmonised controls at the European Union level, a global information system was set up. Each European coastal state is called upon to publish, on a quarterly basis, information on the vessels which were arrested by it during the past three months. All the information contained in the database provides a measuring rod that identifies those vessels that need to be surveyed, in priority order, through a system of points, on the basis of various criteria such as age, flag, former arrests, etc. Increase of the control and of the responsibility of the classification societies.
Many states delegate a large part of their verification powers to the classification societies.
This is especially true in respect of structural aspects of ship, and ship conformity with international conventions. Firstly, the Commission has extended its control to classification societies. The classification societies must provide the authorities with various information concerning the vessels registered with them. This aims at controlling any potential Class hoping'. The Commission will even be entitled to withdraw their professional accreditation, following a review of their activities.