Revised safety inspection guidelines for Liberian ships

Liberia Maritime Authority has revised its marine notice regarding safety inspections of Liberian ships.

This notice, issued on 24th May 2024, is applicable to all vessels under the Liberian flag or those entering the Liberian registry. The following paragraphs outline the new additions:

3.0 Bi-annual Safety Inspections

3.1.1 Passenger vessels, including high-speed passenger ferries, are required to undergo bi-annual safety inspections (i.e. at least every six months) and more frequently if there are issues concerning passenger safety or security found during one of these inspections.

3.1.2 Vessels in the Liberian Registry that have been detained by Port State Control must undergo bi-annual safety inspections (i.e. at least every six months) for a duration of 36 months.

3.1.3 Vessels in the Liberian Registry that have been issued Flag State Operational Controls, either in the form of Flag State Control or Flag State Detention Letters, must undergo bi-annual safety inspections (i.e. at least every six months) for a duration of 24 months.

3.1.4 Vessels registered on or after 1 June 2024 which have been accepted with previous low performance flag state and/or port state inspection reports are required to undergo bi-annual safety inspections (i.e. at least every six months).

4.1 Quarterly Inspections

4.1.1 Livestock carriers are required to undergo quarterly safety inspections (i.e. at least every three months) and more frequently if there are issues concerning safety or security found during one of these inspections.

4.1.2 Vessels in the Liberian Registry with poor flag state and/or port state performance are required to undergo quarterly safety inspections (i.e. at least every three months).

4.1.3 Notwithstanding paragraph 3.1.4 above, vessels registered on or after 1 June 2024 may be required to undergo quarterly safety inspections (i.e. at least every three months) in lieu of bi-annual safety inspections.