Which organization issues the International Tonnage Certificate?

The International Tonnage Certificate is issued by a Recognized Organization or Class Society. This is because these organizations are authorized to perform surveys and certification services on behalf of the flag state, ensuring compliance with international conventions such as the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships.

These Class Societies, often recognized by national maritime authorities, play a critical role in maintaining safety and regulatory standards across the shipping industry. They have the expertise and resources to accurately measure a vessel's tonnage, which is essential for determining various regulatory requirements related to a ship's operations.

While the U.S. Coast Guard, the American Bureau of Shipping, and the International Maritime Organization play significant roles in maritime safety and regulatory frameworks, their responsibilities do not directly involve the issuance of the International Tonnage Certificate. The Coast Guard is a national agency responsible for enforcing maritime laws in the U.S., the American Bureau of Shipping is a Class Society but not the exclusive issuer of this certificate, and the International Maritime Organization formulates global standards for shipping but does not issue certificates itself.