To obtain the certificate of class in regards of the safety, a survey of the ship's bottom and underwater part is conducted by the surveyor of the classification society.

Some documents are required which include the closing memo, minutes of meeting of the seller's directors and shareholders, a certificate of good standing, power of attorney, the bill of sale, certificate of class, any consents or licenses required by the government authority, a certificate by the registrar of the ship's registry permitting the sale.