"The number of detentions in the USA increases": Liberia informs about submitting a checklist

Liberia Maritime Authority has issued a marine operation note informing about the pre-arrival deficiency checklist for USA-arriving vessels.

Purpose

This Operations Note is to inform Liberian Vessel Operators of the Administration's requirement to submit a pre-arrival deficiency checklist (RLM-258) 96 hours prior to arriving at any ports in the USA.

Background

The Liberian Administration has noticed that there has been an increased number of detentions in the USA as vessels are arriving without preparation for a USCG inspection.

In accordance with Liberian Marine Operations Note 05/2023, all vessels entering US ports are required to submit a copy of the Notice of Arrival (NOA) submitted to the USCG 96 hours Prior to Entering US Waters to the Administration at NOA@liscr.com.

In addition to the copy of the NOA, Masters, and Chief Engineers shall complete, sign, and submit the Pre-arrival Checklist (RLM 258).

The RLM 258 shall be emailed to NOA@liscr.com in conjunction with the copy of the Notice of Arrival (NOA) which is submitted 96 hours prior to arrival.

The latest version of RLM-258 has been attached for your ready reference and may 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 US port calls, the RLM 258 needs only be submitted prior to the first US 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 outside the US.

Failure to submit a copy of the NOA and the completed RLM 258 to the Administration may result in the 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, see the instructions in Marine Operations Note 05/2023 regarding Advance Notices of Arrival.

This note (MON 04/2023) was released on 28 July 2023 and supersedes Marine Operations Note 02/2022.

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

Pre-Arrival Deficiency Checklist for USA Arriving Vessels