一、引言船级社是依靠专业的船舶技术知识、雄厚的技术力量以及丰富的船舶检验经验,实施各种关于船舶设计、建造、结构和保养等技术规范和检验服务的机构,以保障海上航行的人命安全和财产安全,正逐步成为海运业中一个不可或缺的角色。然而,近些年来,随着船级社专业技术力量的加强,服务对象的广泛,偿付能力的增强,船级社越来越容易成为被诉的对象而卷入诉讼纠纷。船级社也认识到这将是其生存和发展所面临的主要风险之一。令人遗憾的是,从目前的法律制度来看,对于船级社可能承担的法律责任,不论在国际社会还是在我国,不仅没有详 I. Introduction Classification societies rely on professional knowledge of ship technology, strong technical force and rich experience in inspection of ships to implement various specifications and inspection services on ship design, construction, structure and maintenance so as to ensure that maritime navigation Life safety and property safety are gradually becoming an indispensable part of the shipping industry. However, in recent years, with the enhancement of professional and technical strength of classification societies, wide range of clients and solvency, classification societies are increasingly becoming subject to litigation and are involved in litigation disputes. It also recognizes that this will be one of the major risks to its survival and development. Regrettably, judging from the current legal system, the legal liability that classification societies may shoulder is not only unknown in the international community but also in our country