Liberia: Guidelines for ISM Code and SOLAS compliance

Liberia Maritime Authority issued a marine notice offering guidelines and requirements for adhering to the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) and SOLAS 74 Chapter IX, aimed at ensuring the safe operation of ships.

The document was published on 19 March 2024.

References:

The notice cites various international conventions, codes, resolutions, and regulations pertinent to ISM Code and SOLAS requirements.

Updates:

It supersedes a previous Marine Notice (ISM-001) and introduces revisions such as updated declaration forms for the Company and Designated Person Ashore (DPA), alongside new auditing requirements for the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP).

Audience and Purpose:

The notice is intended to advise shipowners, operators, masters, and officers of Liberian flagships on ISM Code compliance requirements and provide certification guidelines.

Applicability:

It applies to all Liberian passenger ships, oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers, cargo high-speed craft, and other cargo ships weighing 500 gross tons or more.

Responsibilities and Authority:

The notice outlines the responsibilities and authority of the Administration (Government of Liberia) in enforcing the ISM Code and conducting audits and inspections.

Consulting and Auditing Services:

It addresses the distinction between consulting and auditing services provided by Recognized Organizations (ROs), along with statutory survey requirements.

National Requirements for SMS:

The notice provides national requirements for implementing an effective Safety Management System (SMS) based on ISM Code elements, covering policies, objectives, designated persons, master's responsibilities, resources and personnel, emergency preparedness, maintenance, documentation, and verification.

Compliance Monitoring:

It explains the compliance monitoring process, including annual and intermediate verifications, renewal audits, and the issuance of Document of Compliance (DOC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC).

Cyber Risk Management:

The notice emphasizes the importance of addressing cyber risk management in the SMS and offers guidelines for developing a cyber risk management program for ships.

Auditing Process and Certificates:

Additionally, it discusses the auditing process, non-conformities, certificate withdrawal, appeals, and the formats of certificates (DOC and SMC).

Appendices:

The document includes appendices with sample templates for the Document of Compliance, Safety Management Certificate, Interim Document of Compliance, and Interim Safety Management Certificate.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) and SOLAS 74 Chapter IX, Management for the Safe Operation of Ships