Foundation and Institutional Background
The origins of IQARB date back to 24 November 2010, when twelve Recognised Organisations (ROs), authorised to act on behalf of European Union Member States for ship inspections and statutory surveys, established a not-for-profit entity in London in response to the requirements of EU Regulation (EC) No 391/2009 on common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organisations.
Pursuant to Article 11 of that Regulation, Recognised Organisations authorised by EU Member States were required to establish and maintain an independent quality assessment and certification entity operating in accordance with applicable international quality standards, with provision for advisory participation by relevant maritime professional associations.
The entity was incorporated under the English Companies Act 2006 as a private company limited by guarantee and operated on a not-for-profit basis. In 2025, QACE was formally merged and the organisation adopted the name International Quality Assessment Review Body (IQARB), reflecting its continued development and institutional evolution.
IQARB is governed by an Assembly of Members composed of representatives of the Recognised Organisations and by an independent Board of Directors elected to reflect geographical balance and diverse professional expertise within the maritime sector.
The organisation operates in accordance with its Articles of Association, which define its objectives, governance structure, powers, and administrative arrangements.
Funding is provided by its subscribers, based on a budget approved by the Assembly.
Our Objectives
The promotion of safety at sea and the protection of the marine environment for the benefit of society, through the assessment and certification of the quality management systems of Recognised Organisations.
- We assess the performance of the Recognised Organisations and verify their conformity with applicable international quality standards.
- We interpret the relevant internationally recognised quality management standards in the light of the specific nature and obligations of Recognised Organisations.
- We provide recommendations for the improvement of the processes and the internal control mechanisms of the Recognised Organisations.
- We work on a high level of professionalism and performance.
- We act independently of any stakeholders involved.
Our Assessments
We assess the audits of the ROs carried out by IQARB recognised accredited certification bodies.
- To ensure that the audit and the certification processes are consistent and in compliance with common standards and procedures of IQARB
- To enable us to directly judge the performance of the quality management system of the Recognized Organisations
- To enable us to develop recommendations for the improvement of the processes and the internal and external control mechanisms of the Recognized Organisations.
Our Certification and Factual Statements
IQARB issues a Certificate of Compliance to all Recognised Organisations that meet the criteria specified in EU Regulation 391/2009, as well as the operating procedures of the entity. These certificates are valid for a period of three years and are renewed thereafter, subject to the Recognised Organisations remaining in compliance with the stipulated requirements confirmed through audits and assessments.
Following completion of its review activities, IQARB issues a consolidated Factual Statement in respect of each IACS member’s quality management system certification. These statements summarise the outcome of IQARB’s independent review of the certification process conducted by the Accredited Certification Bodies (ACBs), including consideration of audit findings and the effectiveness of corrective actions implemented.
The Factual Statements are made publicly available in the interest of transparency and are intended to provide Member States and other stakeholders with independent confirmation that the certification processes have been subject to separate and competent review.
Our Quality Management System
The Quality Management System which governs all internal operations of IQARB is certified to ISO 9001:2015 standard.