A decision to approve a classification society pursuant to Article 10 of this Directive is to be taken by the Commission according to the procedure referred to in Article 19(2) of this Directive. In addition, the following procedure must be observed:
an application for approval shall be submitted to the Commission by the representatives of the State in which the classification society has its headquarters or a branch authorised to give a ruling and act in all areas incumbent on it under the regulations governing inland waterway vessels. Furthermore, the representatives of this State shall send all information and documentation needed to check that the criteria for approval are met;
any Committee member can demand a hearing with the classification society concerned or that further information or documentation be provided;
approval shall be withdrawn in a similar way. Any Committee member can ask for approval to be withdrawn. The representatives of the State asking for the withdrawal shall submit the information and documentation supporting their application;
when making its decisions, the Commission shall take account of decisions made by the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine regarding approval of the classification society concerned. Before approving a classification society which has not been approved by the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine, the Commission shall consult the Secretariat of the Central Commission;
following each decision on approval of a classification society or the withdrawal of approval, the list of approved societies shall be amended;
the Commission shall inform the classification societies concerned of the Commission's decisions.