Liberia Registry Launches Web-based Liability Certificate Facility
The Liberian Registry has launched a new service 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, said, “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.”