Monrovia – Liberia’s maritime program is undergoing the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), a treaty-mandated initiative aimed at ensuring compliance with international maritime standards and improving member states’ capabilities.
The IMSAS audit, which began in the United States, will be conducted in Liberia from November 25 to December 2, 2024, according to a press statement issued on Thursday, November 21.
“The audit scheme uses the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) as the audit standard,” the release stated, adding that the process provides member states with a thorough, objective assessment of their effectiveness in implementing mandatory IMO instruments.
Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Commissioner and CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), emphasized the significance of the audit for Liberia, describing it as a pivotal moment for the country’s growing maritime industry.
“This is not a financial audit but a system audit designed to assess how well we domesticate and implement the conventions we have signed on to,” Lighe explained.
The audit will examine Liberia’s flag state, port state, and coastal state regimes, focusing on areas such as ship safety, pollution prevention, and crew working conditions aboard Liberian-flagged vessels.
“For the coastal state component, the audit will evaluate how we inspect and detain foreign ships in line with IMO regulations. Meanwhile, the port state aspect will review the inspection of ships that dock at our various ports,” he noted.
Mr. Lighe highlighted the importance of Port State Control (PSC) regulations, which aim to identify and address substandard vessels, ensuring compliance with international safety and operational standards. “The IMO auditors will also assess Liberia’s legal framework for addressing violations,” he added.
Ahead of the IMO audit, LiMA conducted a comprehensive internal review, including a mock audit process, to evaluate Liberia’s preparedness.
“We are fortunate to have certified IMO auditors within our institution, and they played a key role in assessing our readiness for the IMSAS audit,” Lighe said, underscoring the government’s commitment to the process.
As a Category “A” member state, Liberia is obligated to lead in all aspects of the global maritime industry, and the audit is seen as an opportunity to reinforce its standing and identify areas for improvement.
“We take this audit seriously because it provides us with a credible, independent assessment of our maritime program. It’s a chance to refine and strengthen our systems,” Lighe concluded.
The IMSAS audit is expected to bolster Liberia’s reputation as a global maritime leader, ensuring that its operations adhere to the highest international standards.
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