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• The Republic of Liberia vide Marine Advisory: 01/2019 dated 25 January 2019 has informed that the Administration will continue to attend all Liberian flagged vessels calling on US Ports to assist vessels operators with the USCG.

• The Administration, in view of recent USCG detentions related to SMS failure, has recommended that Owners, Operators, DPAs are to encourage their Master’s and Chief Engineers to thoroughly check to ensure that their SMS procedures are properly implemented, for example:
  
  
  • Deficiencies or defects affecting compliance the vessels SMS or International Conventions concerning Safety, Security and Environmental are reported and corrective action initiated.
  
  
  • If a block or other obstruction is used during a test of a quick closing valve, ensure it is removed immediately after the test to restore the values safety feature.
  
  
  • If using the OWS sample valve, replace the seal in accordance with the SMS.
  
  
  • If entering an enclosed space, ensure the correct procedures are followed and documented

• The Administration has advised that to avoid SMS detentions, Masters and Chief Engineers are required to document non-conformities and initiate corrective action in accordance with the ships SMS and inform the Administration and the DPA at least 96 hours prior to arrival in ports in Australia, China, Europe or the USA. These reports will assist in demonstrating compliance with SMS.

• All vessels scheduled to arrive at a port in the USA are required to provide the vessels ETA along with agent information to the Administration 96 hours prior to arrival. vessels scheduled for inspection by the USCG are also required to provide with the USCG point of contact. Vessels, regardless of the previous inspection, shall continue to follow the instructions in Marine Operations Note 03/2018 regarding Advance Notices of Arrival and Pre-Arrival Checklists.

• The Administration will conduct an early flag state inspection on all US arrivals if the vessel is within 4 months of the annual flag State safety inspection date. If not within 4 months of the safety inspection date, a preemptive inspection by administration whenever possible.

• Ship owners /operators and masters are advised to be guided by the attached circular.

Enclosure:

• Marine Advisory: 01/2019 dated 25 January 2019 of Liberia.

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.

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