SFI Coding and Classification System

The SFI The SFI Coding and Classification System for Ship Information also referred to as the SFI Group System is a widely used classification system for the maritime and offshore industry worldwide. It is an international standard, which provides a functional subdivision of technical and financial ship or rig information. SFI consists of a technical account structure covering all aspects of ship/rig specification, and it can be used as a basic data indexing standard for all systems in the shipping/offshore industry. SFI is used by shipping and offshore companies, shipyards, consultancies, software suppliers, authorities and classification societies.

The abbreviation SFI refers to the Norwegian Ship Research Institute: Sentre for Forskningsdrevet Innovasjon (SFI). The SFI Group System development was completed and tested in a pilot yard in 1972. Today, more than 6000 SFI systems have been installed worldwide.

The 3 tier codification identifies:

  • Main Group
  • Group
  • Sub Group

Example 601.001.001 6 Identifies propulsion system, 601 identifies Main Engine, 601.001 identifies first cylinder, 601.001.001 identifies piston of 1st cylinder

In addition a 4th group is frequently added to identify the spare parts belonging that equipment. Thus 601.001.001.001 and onwards will identify the spare parts to 1st cylinder

REAPS Technical Symposium The SFI Coding and Classification System for Ship Information June 1977 1

SpecTec guide to SFI 2

SFI Group System, British Ship Research Association 3