Liberia issues pre-arrival deficiency checklist for vessels arriving to Australia, China, Europe, and USA

Liberia Maritime Authority issued a marine operation note on the pre-arrival deficiency checklist for vessels arriving to Australia, China, Europe, and the USA.

The note was published on 16 February 2024.

This Operations Note informs Liberian Vessel Operators of the Administration’s requirement to submit a pre-arrival deficiency checklist (RLM-258) 96 hours prior to arriving at ports in Australia, China, Europe, and the USA.

Background:
The Liberian Administration has noticed an increased number of detentions in Australia, China, Europe, and the USA due to vessels arriving without preparation for a Port State Control inspection.

In accordance with Liberian Marine Operations Note 05/2023:

• All vessels entering ports in Australia, China, Europe, and USA must submit to the Administration at NOA@liscr.com a copy of the Notice of Arrival (NOA) submitted to the PSC authorities 96 hours prior to entering their territorial waters.
• Masters and Chief Engineers must complete, sign, and submit the Pre-arrival Checklist (RLM 258). The RLM 258 shall be emailed to NOA@liscr.com along with the copy of Notice of Arrival (NOA) submitted 96 hours prior to arrival. The latest version of RLM-258 is attached for ready reference and can be downloaded from the website.
• The form RLM-258 shall be included as part of the SMS, which will be verified by the Flag State Inspectors on or after 30 September 2023.
• In the event of consecutive port calls within a country, the RLM 258 needs only be submitted prior to the first port. An updated RLM 258 must be submitted if the condition of the vessel changes during these consecutive port calls or after the vessel calls a port in another area requiring completion of the RLM-258.

Failure to submit a copy of the NOA and the completed RLM 258 to the Administration may result in suspension of the Master’s and/or Chief Engineer’s Liberian credentials and/or an additional audit of the vessel or Company SMS.

Masters and Chief Engineers are reminded to document their actions to report defects, identify non-conformities, and initiate corrective action in accordance with the ships. These reports will demonstrate compliance with SMS.

For additional information on Advance Notices of Arrival, please refer to the instructions in Marine Operations Note 05/2023 regarding Advance Notices of Arrival.

For any questions contact the Fleet Performance Department.

The checklist covers various aspects including port state inspection, general vessel conditions, cleanliness of engine room and machinery spaces, safety of navigation, lifeboat and rescue boat conditions, fire fighting and prevention measures, emergency procedures, equipment maintenance, and crew documentation.

For tankers, additional requirements regarding inert gas systems, oil discharge monitoring, cargo tank alarms, gas detection systems, and pressure relief valves apply.

The checklist must be signed by the Master and Chief Engineer certifying the vessel's compliance or reporting any deficiencies.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Pre-Arrival Deficiency Checklist for Vessels Arriving to Australia, China, Europe and USA

Advance Notice of Arrival and Pre-arrival Preparation Requirements and Preemptive Inspections for Vessels Calling on Ports in Australia, China, Europe and the USA