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

Liberia’s WayPoint takes client interface standards to new levels

Liberia has further strengthened its reputation as the world’s most technologically advanced and sophisticated ship register with a major upgrade of WayPoint, its state-of-the-art web-based client interface system.

When WayPoint was launched in late-2016, it provided the owners and operators of Liberian-flag ships with secure, real-time, user-friendly access to their fleet details and allowed them to apply for International Convention certification such as Civil Liability, Bunker Civil Liability, Wreck Convention and Ballast Water Management Convention certificates. Now, the effectiveness of WayPoint has been significantly expanded by the addition of a number of enhanced features.

WayPoint is on a different level to any other client interface system currently available to the users of ship registry services. Owners and operators are now better able to manage their fleet-wide regulatory compliance. WayPoint provides easy and intuitive access to information about vessels’ last Annual Safety Inspection data, when inspections are due for renewal, and indication of scheduled inspections. The range of certificates which can be viewed and obtained has been expanded to include those relating to the Maritime Labour Convention, including DMLC Parts 1 and 11, SMC, and ISSC, and documents of compliance (DOC). The facility also exists to transmit certificates and related information directly from the registry.

Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “Liberia is way ahead of any other ship registry in the world in terms of its technological proficiency and efficiency. Now, it is further ahead still, with the launch of its upgraded WayPoint system.

“In today’s hi-tech world, ship owners and operators need instant access to a vast range of information, including their fleet details, their certificates, and their inspection schedules. WayPoint not only provides this access, but it is reinventing the way that shipowners will interact with their flag state and offering efficiencies that will facilitate regulatory compliance in meaningful ways. The end result is less focus on bureaucracy and tedious co-ordination, and greater emphasis on meeting regulatory objectives.

“Shipping is a round-the-clock business. It never sleeps, and neither should ship registers, which must be able to provide information whenever it is needed, wherever it is needed, at any time of the day or night. Liberia is ahead of the game in this respect, and the owners and operators of Liberian-flag ships are the beneficiaries, with guaranteed access to the information they need to keep their fleets moving safely and efficiently.”

The Liberian Registry is already working on a complete suite of further upgrades that will expand the portfolio of online services which Liberia is able to offer.

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

allison.wilson@liscr.com