The Liberian Registry initiative to harmonise ISM and ISPS Code audits has received
overwhelming support from shipowners, operators and managers.

Scott Bergeron, Chief Operating Officer of LISCR, the US company which manages the Liberian Registry, says, “The response from the Registry’s clients is proof-positive that there is a genuine need and demand for the harmonised audits which Liberia has been pioneering. It is hoped that the IMO will now be persuaded to begin the process of merging the ISM and ISPS Codes, in the interests of safety and security as well as the desire to reduce the ever growing demands on seafarers.”

Capt Adam Pazdzioch, Hansa Shipping, says, “Our masters have been calling for some time for this kind of initiative, and we are sure Liberia has found a very good solution. We are very satisfied with this system, which brings everything together on one date in one place, and simplifies the entire process of system auditing, while reducing expenses. It also eliminates the danger of any conflict between safety and security.”

To date, Liberia has successfully conducted ninety-five harmonised audits and has issued the appropriate Safety Management Certificates and International Ship Security (ISSC) Certificates. This is in addition to the 1,100-plus ISSC certificates issued after assessment during 2004 in respect of ISPS implementation.

Liberia has a global network of ninety specially trained auditors, and this number will soon reach a total of 140 in major ports throughout the world. Pini Shwartz, LISCR’s director of maritime security, says, “The total time typically taken by a flag state to oversee ISM, ISPS and an annual safety inspection is somewhere between 18 and 24 hours, spread over three ship visits. The demands of co-ordination and correspondence for each such attendance is an additional burden for the shore staff. By contrast, Liberia’s harmonised audit takes between ten and twelve hours, not least because the process takes advantage of the redundant issues found with the ISM and ISPS codes, such as training and drills; designated onboard (ShipSecurity Officer/Master) and shore (Company Security Officer/Designated Person Ashore) staff; internal audit requirements; and reporting and record-keeping. In implementing its combined audits, Liberia is not trying to usurp the role of classification societies or of other recognised inspection bodies. It simply believes that safety audit and certification is a responsibility which can be achieved extremely efficiently and effectively by a quality-driven ship register.”

Scott Bergeron concludes, “Liberia believes in offering shipowners practical choices. It will continue to accept certification issued by recognised classification societies, who will continue to issue statutory certificates covering the likes of safety equipment, safety construction, load line, and pollution prevention. But the Liberian Registry believes that harmonisation is the way forward. It offers owners a flexible, efficient and cost-effective solution using the Registry’s worldwide resources and qualified and professional audit staff. That is part of what a responsible ship registry should be doing for shipowners and operators.”

The LISCR newsletter Flagship contains a full version of this article plus other news. For copies e mail john@merlinco.com

l The Liberian Registry has a track record going back more than 56 years of combining the highest standards for vessels and crews with the highest standards of responsive service to owners. It is proud to be in the top group of the Paris MOU White List of high-standard flags and the top-ranked significant registry on the USCG Port State Control rankings. Over 2,100 vessels of more than 63m gt currently fly the Liberian flag.

For more information contact:  Scott Bergeron LISCR Tel: +1 212 697 3434 sbergeron@liscr.com

Issued by: John Guy Merlin Corporate Communications Tel: +44 1293 55 00 44 john@merlinco.com