IACS can trace its origins back to the Load Line Convention of 1930 and its recommendations. The convention recommended collaboration between classification societies to secure "as much uniformity as possible in the application of the standards of strength upon which freeboard is based". IACS in its today structure was formed by seven leading societies on 11 September 1968. Current members are ABS, BV, CCS, DNV, GL, KR, LR, NK, RINA, and RS with three associated members - Croatian Register of Shipping, Indian Register of Shipping and Polish Register of Shipping. IACS had expelled the Polish Register of Shipping in a council decision that followed the loss of the bulk carrier Leader L in March 2000, citing "serious managerial shortcomings" on the part of the PRS. This followed the temporary suspension of the PRS in 1997. PRS was re-admitted subsequently as an associated member. RINA should have experienced at least the same fate because of the Erika disaster, but managed to remain a member of the association. IACS was given consultative status with IMO, in 1969, with the first Permanent Representative appointed in 1976. It remains the only non-governmental organization with observer status which is able to develop and apply rules. The status of the standards developed by member societies was enshrined in the International Convention for the safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). A permanent Secretariat was formally established in London in 1992. IACS Charter (1) to work towards the improvement of standards of safety at sea and the prevention of pollution of the marine environment (2) to provide for communications and co-operation with relevant international and national organizations (3) to co-operate closely with the marine industries of the world. IACS Code of Ethics: It states, inter alia: "Classification Societies live on their reputation. Acceptance of their work can only be maintained by continuously proving integrity and competence" and "between Societies shall be on the basis of services (technical and field) rendered to the marine industry but must not lead to compromises on safety of life and property at sea or to the lowering of technical standards". IACS Members have been found to meet Resolutions A.739(18) and A.789(19) by all of the Administrations (approximately 100) that are Parties of SOLAS. IACS Initiatives (1) TOCA Transfer of Class Agreement, (2) ESP reinforcing the Enhanced Survey Program, (3) Introduction of unified scantling standards, for both bulk and oil tankers, (4) TOMS Transfer of Management Systems procedures. IACS Membership: Member status requires compliance with the following minimum conditions: (1) 30 years as a classification society with own rules, (2) classed fleet of not less than 1500 ocean-going vessels (over 100gt) with an aggregate total of not less than 8 million gt. (3) professional staff of 150 exclusive surveyors and 100 technical specialists all of whom should be qualified and trained in accordance with IACS procedures, (4) possession of a valid IACS Quality System Certificate of Conformity (5) Observance of the Code of Ethics. IACS Policy (1) to provide leading technical expertise, (2) to communicate with the industry to, (3) to share the lessons learnt, (4) to be responsible for what IACS share of responsibility is. IACS Working Parties, permanent, (1) Fire protection and safety, (2) Subdivision, stability and load lines, (3) Strength, (4) Materials and welding, (5) Survey, reporting and certification, (6) Machinery, (7) Electricity.