Liberia Leads on Wreck Removal Certification

The system was set up to expedite shipowners’ compliance with the requirements of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007 (WRC), which comes into force on April 14, 2015, requiring owners of vessels of 300 gt and above to carry a certificate as evidence of compliance that insurance or financial security is in place to cover their liability under the convention. 

David Pascoe, Head of Maritime Operations & Standards for the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the U.S.-based manager of the registry, said, “As with all regulatory issues affecting shipowners, Liberia has elected to take a highly proactive approach to WRC certification. Whether it be certificates for Liberian-flag ships or ships registered in States which are not a party to the WRC, owners find the online ordering process a speedy and efficient way to ensure their vessels are carrying a WRC certificate by the due date.”

Pascoe  continued, “We are very pleased to be able to assist many states that are not yet a party to the WRC by issuing certificates for their shipowners, as allowed under the convention.  As a result, thousands of ships will continue to operate after April 14, 2015 with certificates fully recognized by Port State Control authorities. It says a great deal about the high regard in which the Liberian Registry is held, and indeed about the typically proactive approach it takes to regulatory certification.” 

Liberia is thus far the largest flag State party to WRC, the registry noted.