The Liberian Registry has opened a fully staffed
maritime security
department as part of its ongoing commitment to improving security in the
international shipping industry.
The maritime security department will help shipowners, operators and
managers with the implementation of the new International Ship and Port
Security (ISPS) Code. It will also be responsible for the approval of each
ship's security plan and for co-ordination of the Liberian Registry's
onboard verification surveys/audits as mandated by the ISPS Code.
Meanwhile, the registry has appointed Pini Shwartz as Director of Maritime
Security. With experience in both maritime security and shipmanagement,
Shwartz is well-qualified to guide the Liberian Registry and its clients
during the ISPS implementation period and thereafter.
The Liberian Registry has played a leading role in improving maritime
security procedures. Among other initiatives, it has introduced the world's
first seafarers' biometric identification card as well as a
model ship
security plan template. These two initiatives will help to ensure that
Liberian-registered ships are amongst the safest and most secure in the
world.