Liberia launches enhanced web-based liability certificate facility

The Liberian Registry has demonstrated once again its reputation as the world’s most technologically advanced ship registry by enabling shipowners and managers to apply online for certification under the major international liability conventions.

Earlier this year, Liberia launched an online certification facility on its secure eMaritime website to expedite shipowners’ compliance with the requirements of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007 (WRC). Following the success of that initiative, the registry decided to further enhance the website to include online applications for certification under the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage 2001 (BCLC) and the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage 1992 (CLC).

The enhanced online facility is available to owners of Liberian-flagged ships as well as owners of ships registered in non-convention States that need to obtain the WRC, BCLC and/or CLC liability certificates. The Liberian Registry issues these liability certificates as they are required to be carried on board ships to verify that registered owners maintain insurance or other financial security to cover liabilities in compliance with relevant conventions.

David Pascoe, senior vice-president of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the registry, says, “Liberia’s online application system for WRC certification has been a tremendous success, so it was a logical decision to extend the website to include BCLC and CLC certification applications.

“Liberia believes that the job of responsible ship registries is not only to ensure that owners and managers are in full compliance with international regulations, but also to facilitate the application process wherever possible. LISCR has always taken a highly proactive approach to all regulatory issues affecting shipowners and managers, and will continue to do so.”

Shipowners and managers can apply for Liberian WRC, BCLC and CLC certificates 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. 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 launches online MLC complaints resolution form for seafarers

THE Liberian Registry has launched an online Maritime Labour Complaint Resolution Form for seafarers, ahead of the entry into force of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 on 20 August, 2013.

Liberia is committed to ensuring that seafarers who serve on Liberian-flag ships have decent working and living conditions, a safe and secure workplace and fair employment. Seafarers are encouraged to use the ship’s onboard complaint procedures to resolve complaints at the earliest possible opportunity in accordance with MLC 2006. However, in the event that a complaint is unable to be resolved on board, Liberia has provided the online Maritime Labour Complaint Resolution Form to help seafarers resolve all genuine and valid complaints.

Seafarers can utilise the online form to lodge a general complaint affecting specific working or living conditions on board the ship, or a complaint relating to a single seafarer. The Liberian Administration will take all necessary steps to investigate complaints and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to rectify any deficiencies. All information provided to the Administration will be treated as strictly confidential.

Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the Liberian Registry, says, “Liberia was the first country to ratify MLC 2006, and intends to do everything in its power to ensure that it is properly enforced. This is not just a tick-box exercise. If effectively implemented, MLC 2006 will improve and standardize working conditions for seafarers and shipowners alike.

“Liberia’s online Maritime Labour Complaints Resolution Form is a way of ensuring that seafarers on Liberian-flag ships have all possible resources available to them for reporting any genuine grievances to those who have the authority to resolve such matters in accordance with the letter and spirit of MLC 2006.”

The Liberian Registry’s Maritime Labour Complaint Resolution Form can be accessed from the homepage of its website, www.liscr.com


The Liberian Registry is one of the world’s largest and most active shipping registers, with 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. It has recently surpassed all-time tonnage records, with a registered fleet of approximately 4,000 ships, aggregating more than 133m gross tons. www.liscr.com