Type Approval Category

 

AQS, means the manufacturer has an acceptable quality system

RQS, means the manufacturer has a certified quality system

PQA, means the manufacturer is authorized for self inspection

PDA, means Product Design Assessment. This means the product may be used without further technical evaluation

PDA Ltd - the product requires technical revalidation prior to use

MCA, means approval to the UK

MED, means approval to the Marine Equipment Directive

ABS Type Approval requires a combination of PDA + AQS, or PDA + RQS, or PDA + PQA

ABS Type Approval still requires Surveyor attendance for Unit Certification

USCG/PDA; means design review conducted by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS); detailed design documentation is on file at ABS Americas' Houston office. Approval and production tests and inspections supervised by ABS

USCG-Follow up, means Production inspections supervised by American Bureau of Shipping and yearly report of production tests and inspections in accordance with 46 CFR 159.007-11