LISCR, First in Safety & Security, was rated the world's top open registry by the Paris MOU (6/2002), a consortium of 14 European countries that coordinate the inspection of ships. Of the ten national
ship registries that received a higher rating, most provide services for substantially fewer vessels.
"The Liberian Registry is pleased to be recognized as the world's number one open registry," said Yoram Cohen, CEO of LISCR, a U.S. company that manages the day-to-day operations of the Registry. "We take pride in providing the highest standards of service for ships and their crews."
The Paris MOU port authority monitors compliance with international rules on safety, pollution prevention, and living and working conditions for seafarers. Ships that fail to comply with the international standards can be detained until the defects are remedied.
The 14 countries undertake to inspect 25 percent of the foreign flagged ships visiting their ports, then pool the information and harmonize procedures.
The Paris MOU divides registries into three categories. The top performing registries -- which include the Liberian Registry -- are on the "White List." Mid-ranking registries are placed on the "Grey List." This year, the U.S. national registry slipped to the Grey List, which also includes Cayman Islands, Croatia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Italy, and Spain. The poorest performing registries are grouped together on the "
Black List," which includes Cambodia and assorted other countries.