Liberia takes the lead on wreck removal certification

After a successful launch of the Liberian Registry’s new online application system, delivery of Wreck Removal Convention certificates is faster and more convenient for shipowners. The system was set up to expedite shipowners’ compliance with the requirements of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007 (WRC), which comes into force on 14 April, 2015.

 

The convention requires owners of vessels of 300 gt and above to carry a certificate as evidence of compliance that insurance or financial security is in place to cover their liability under the convention. David Pascoe, Head of Maritime Operations & Standards for the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the registry, says, “As with all regulatory issues affecting shipowners, Liberia has elected to take a highly proactive approach to WRC certification. Whether it be certificates for Liberian-flag ships or ships registered in States which are not a party to the WRC, owners find the online ordering process a speedy and efficient way to ensure their vessels are carrying a WRC certificate by the due date.

 

“We are very pleased to be able to assist many States that are not yet a Party to the WRC by issuing certificates for their shipowners, as allowed under the convention.  As a result, thousands of ships will continue to operate after 14 April, 2015 with certificates fully recognised by Port State Control authorities. It says a great deal about the high regard in which the Liberian Registry is held, and indeed about the typically proactive approach it takes to regulatory certification.”

 

Liberia is thus far the largest flag State party to WRC, thereby continuing its long and proud tradition of supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.

 

Shipowners can apply for a Liberian WRC certificate online directly at: https://emaritime.liscr.com

 

          

The Liberian Registry is one of the world’s largest and most active shipping registers, and has long been considered 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 service to owners.

 

www.liscr.com

Liberia is a party to the Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention

LIBERIA acceded to the Nairobi International Wreck Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007, on 8 January 2015. It is thus far the largest flag state party to the convention.

The Nairobi Convention covers shipwrecks that could have a potential adverse effect on the safety of lives and property at sea, as well as the marine environment. When it enters into force on 14 April, 2015, it will fill a gap in the existing international legal framework by providing the first set of uniform international rules aimed at ensuring the prompt and effective removal of wrecks.

Liberia has agreed to extend the scope of the convention to its territory, including its territorial sea.

The Liberian Registry is prepared to start issuing wreck removal convention certificates to ensure that its flagged vessels have evidence of compliance prior to the convention’s entry into force. It is also prepared to issue certificates for shipowners with vessels registered in states that are not yet a party to the convention.

David Pascoe, Head of Maritime Operations & Standards for the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the registry, says, “The Nairobi Convention is designed to create consistency in the treatment of wrecks, and to provide claimants with a guarantee of unequivocal access to shipowners’ financial security for their liability thereto. Liberia’s ratification of the convention continues its long and proud tradition of supporting international legislation designed to maintain and improve the safety and effectiveness of the shipping industry and protection of the marine environment.”

The Liberian Registry is one of the world’s largest and most active shipping registers, and has long been considered 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 service to owners.

www.liscr.com