Revised reporting procedures for Liberian-flagged vessels

On 14 October 2024, the Liberia Maritime Authority issued a revised notice on measures to improve compliance and minimize risk of Port State Control detentions.

It is directed to shipowners, operators, masters, officers of merchant ships, agents, and recognized organizations (ROs), focusing on rectifying deficiencies identified during PSC inspections.

The notice primarily introduces a key revision to Form RLM-031, which is used for reporting corrective actions after Port State Control (PSC) inspections. This form has been updated to better align with the requirements for reporting deficiencies and taking corrective actions. The revised form, available for download on the Administration’s website, is one of two accepted formats for submitting Corrective Action Reports (CARs).

Key Revisions:

Form RLM-031 Update:

Revised Format: The form has been revised to streamline the process of reporting deficiencies found during PSC inspections, and outlining the corrective and preventive actions taken. This revision ensures that vessel operators provide accurate and timely documentation of compliance efforts.
Alternative Reporting Option: In addition to the revised Form RLM-031, companies may also use their own safety management system (SMS) form that describes deficiencies and the steps taken to address them.

Submission Requirements:

The revised form must be used to submit Corrective Action Reports (CARs) within 7 days of a PSC inspection if deficiencies are found.
Vessel operators must include objective evidence of rectification along with the CAR, ensuring all corrective measures are documented clearly.