Liberia issues LRIT compliance guidelines

Liberia Maritime Authority issued a marine notice regarding Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT).

The notice was published on 3 January 2024.

This notice, ISP-003 Rev. 12/23, issued by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Republic of Liberia, provides guidance on the Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT).

Background:

1. Adopted in May 2006, MSC.202(81) amended SOLAS Chapter V, introducing LRIT for mandatory position reporting.
2. LRIT aims to enhance safety, security, and environmental aspects by transmitting ship information automatically to national data centers.

LRIT Information Transmission:

1. LRIT information includes the ship's identity, location, and position date/time, transmitted automatically at 6-hour intervals.
2. The LRIT system is distinct from AIS (Automatic Identification System) as it provides information selectively to entitled recipients.
3. Resolution MSC Resolution 263(84)/Rev.1 and FAL.2/Circ.133 outline revised standards and LRIT Conformance Test report requirements.

Application:

1. LRIT equipment applies to Liberian-registered ships engaged in international voyages.
2. Exemptions may apply for ships with AIS operating exclusively within GMDSS sea area A1.

Shipborne LRIT Equipment:

1. LRIT equipment must comply with SOLAS regulations, undergo a conformance test, and transmit LRIT information.
2. Conformance testing is mandatory upon ship registration or re-registration and annually thereafter.
3. The Liberian Administration has designated Pole Star Space Applications Limited as the Testing ASP for LRIT conformance tests.

Survey and Certification:

1. Recognized Organizations (RO) ensure ships have a valid Conformance Test Report before issuing Safety Certificates.
2. For flag transfer, shipowners must arrange LRIT equipment testing and notify the Administration during registration.

LRIT Conformance Test Reports:

1. Conformance Test Reports must be valid for twelve months.
2. Amendments or retesting are required for changes in LRIT equipment, flag transfer, or at twelve-month intervals.
3. Shipowners must inform the Administration promptly if LRIT equipment fails or is switched off.

Transfer of Flag and Decommissioning:

1. Ships transferring to or from the Liberian flag must integrate LRIT equipment timely to transmit LRIT information.
2. Shipowners must notify the Administration promptly if a ship is permanently taken out of service for the removal of LRIT equipment.

Failure and Reduction of LRIT Transmission:

1. The Administration will inform relevant parties if LRIT equipment fails or if there is an intent to cease LRIT transmissions temporarily or reduce frequency.

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

Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships (LRIT)