Liberian Registry Opens Maritime Security Department

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.