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Tuesday 7 August 2018

Liberia introduces QR codes and other electronic certificate security features

Liberia continues to deploy significant improvements to its state-of-the-art web-based client interface system, WayPoint, by enhancing certificate security features, introducing a QR Code symbol for electronic certificates and streamlining the procedure for document verification.

WayPoint was launched in late-2016 to provide the owners and operators of Liberian-flag ships with secure, real-time, user-friendly access to their fleet details, as well as to facilitate International Convention certification applications. It was upgraded last year to include a number of major improvements designed to help owners and operators to manage their fleet-wide regulatory compliance issues more efficiently.

Beginning 7 August, Liberia will start including QR Codes to enhance the document verification process. This means that Port State Control and other interested parties can quickly scan the QR matrix barcode via their mobile phones, whereafter they will be directed to the verification page. The QR code and the Registry’s tracking identification (TID) number will also be clickable if viewed on a computer and will direct users to the verification page, where a verification copy of the document can be viewed and downloaded. In addition to these public-facing features, a variety of embedded security features are also being deployed to enhance the electronic integrity of Liberia’s electronic certificates.

Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “Liberia was the first flag state to make widespread use of electronic certificates in 2009. We are very happy to see other flags and recognized organizations follow our lead with their own electronic certifications. As technology evolves, so does the need to ensure that security and verification features are robust enough to meet cyber challenges. With this latest update, Liberia has further strengthened its reputation as the world’s most technologically advanced and sophisticated ship register, taking the pain and expense of document verification away from owners and operators and freeing up their time to concentrate on making their vessels safer and more profitable.”

WayPoint is accessible to clients through https://waypoint.liscr.com. Clients of the registry may apply for user access via the WayPoint homepage.

The Liberian Registry is the world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive and innovative service to owners. Moreover, it has a well-deserved reputation for supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment. www.liscr.com


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Monday 6 August 2018

Ship agent liable for negligence leading to excessive dunnage disposal charges

International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) has recently reported a dispute in which a ship agent in Australia was held liable to its shipowner principal for excessive charges demanded by a contractor for the disposal of dunnage and other materials related to the packing of cargo.

The agent was asked by its principal to arrange for the disposal of the materials upon the arrival of the principal’s ship in Australia, where strict local quarantine regulations apply. The agent engaged the services of a licensed disposal company which, although it had previously been used to dispose of ship’s garbage and other more hazardous waste, was not the company the agent normally used to dispose of dunnage.

The agent instructed the disposal company by telephone, without verifying the total cost. The materials were disposed of and the disposal company submitted its bill for approximately Aus$70,000. When the owner questioned the unusually high charges, the disposal company said it had charged its usual rate for licensed waste disposal. Subsequent enquiries by the agent, meanwhile, confirmed that the amount which its usual dunnage disposal company would charge to deal with dunnage and packing materials would have been approximately Aus$7,000.

The owner was unwilling to pay more than the reasonable costs which should have
been incurred. Because the agent had been negligent in its selection of the disposal company, ITIC reimbursed it the balance of the invoiced sum, amounting to Aus$63,000, which the agent was liable to pay the owner.

ITIC is managed by Thomas Miller. More details about the club and the services it offers can be found on ITIC’s website at www.itic-insure.com


For more information:
Charlotte Kirk
ITIC
Tel. +44 (0)20 7338 0150
Fax. +44 (0)20 7338 0151
charlotte.kirk@thomasmiller.com

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