The Commissioner/CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. says the United States of America remains Liberia’s biggest partner in every respect, particularly in the maritime sector with support of the US Coast Guard (USCG) that has proven pivotal.
“We appreciate the US Coast Guard’s support and look forward to stronger ties and relationships. During difficult times at sea, the US Coast Guard has been very supportive of Liberian flagged vessels. They have come to the rescue of our ships on many occasions ,”Commission Lighe stated.
The LiMA boss pointed out that the USCG has been especially supporting in Liberia’s implementation of the following International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code – adding that given Liberia’s position as a major actor in global maritime space, the country remains open to new ideas to maintain the professionalism and excellence that is required and expected of a major maritime state.
In brief remarks, the Deputy Commissioner for Domestic Vessel Registration and Safety, Mr. John Harvey said he looks forward to feedback from the USCG team’s assessment – something that would inform the Designated Authority (DA –LiMA), and help it stay competitive in this ever-advancing
industry.
For his part, the head of the three-member delegation and ISPS Liaison Officer, James Provost said that the team’s visit is a part of routine assessment of Liberia’s implementation of its ISPS code.
The ISPS Code is the internationally accepted port security standards for countries that are party to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
The USCG official disclosed that the visit is an intermittent routine that usually happens once every year with a larger one every three-year, meant to assess improvements that have been made from their last visits to an ISPS regime country.
“During these intermittent visits, we look for new updates in the Designated Authority’s regulations,” he stressed.
Mr. Provost averred that the USCG has a very good impression of Liberia ‘s ISPS code implementation. “Our impression of the ISPS program in Liberia is very good. We have been recommending that the ISPS program in Liberia is being effectively implemented.”
During the visiting USCG delegation meeting with Commissioner/CEO Lighe, a brief presentation was done by the Director of Maritime Security Simeon Cheah.
Other officials of LiMA present included Mr. Desire Satia, Deputy Chief Financial Officer; Mrs. Fatu M. Shaw, Associate Director for Maritime Intelligence and Investigation, Mr. Edward Thomas, Associate Director for ISPS and Ocebio Dehmie, Senior Manager for Maritime Security Operatives.
The USCG delegation also visited the National Port Authority and met with the Managing Director, Mr. Sekou Hussein Dukuly, along with other officials of the National Port Authority.
Source : LiMA
