LISCR Recognizes Liberian Registry Initiatives

The advisory board of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry applauds the initiatives taken by the Liberian Registry in connection with improving security in the international shipping industry. At its second annual meeting on April 7, 2003, the advisory board welcomed the decision of the Liberian Registry to set up a fully staffed maritimesecurity department and to appoint a dedicated director of maritime security. The board is led by Rex Harrington, General Maritime Corporation. The other members are Yukio Aso, Sanko Steamship; Ulf Bertheau, of Cyrus Makowski; Harry Gilbert, Wallem Group; Huang Shao Jie, Hong Kong Ming Wah Shipping; David C H Liu, Yang Ming Line, and Robert D Somerville, American Bureau of Shipping. Rex Harrington said, "The registry has given an important lead to the 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. "The Liberian Registry has played a leading role in improving maritime security preparedness and capability. 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 among the safest and most secure in the world." Yoram Cohen, chief executive officer of LISCR, says, "Ship registers have an important role to play in national and international security in these troubled times. Liberia has put in motion plans to guide shipowners safely through the ISPS implementation period and beyond, and has set standards for others to follow."