ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) provides classification, technical, and regulatory services for the marine industry. ABS develops safety rules, guides, standards and other criteria for the design, construction, and survey of marine vessels and structures including all materials, equipment and machinery. ABS certifies companies that provide services, such as measurements, tests, or maintenance, of safety systems and equipment. Additionally, ABS certifies individual materials, components, products and systems used on the vessels through a technical evaluation and survey of manufacturing compliance. ABS is comprised of surveyors, engineers, researchers and regulatory specialists. The rules, guides, and standards are developed by the International Association of Classification and by ABS staff, and they are approved by committees made up of naval architects, marine engineers, shipbuilders, engine builders, steel makers and by other individuals associated with the worldwide maritime industry.