The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has commenced the second phase of its mandatory Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) in Liberia. This follows the recent audit of Liberia’s flag state regime conducted in the United States. The audit began on Monday at the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) headquarters in Monrovia, marking a major step in compliance with international maritime obligations.
The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), initially established as a voluntary initiative in 2006, became a mandatory treaty obligation in January 2016. The scheme aims to assess the legislative, administrative, and technical frameworks of member states, focusing on key areas such as maritime safety, environmental protection, and the welfare of seafarers. Its primary objective is to promote the consistent and effective implementation of applicable IMO instruments, while also assisting member states in enhancing their capabilities and overall performance in meeting their obligations under these instruments.
Deputy Commissioner for Domestic Vessel Registration and Safety at LiMA, John F. Harvey, hailed the audit as a milestone for the country. “This IMSAS Audit plays a crucial role in ensuring that IMO member states are effectively implementing international maritime regulations and standards. It fosters collaboration, best practices, and mutual support, which are vital for strengthening global maritime governance,” he said.
Harvey expressed optimism that Liberia would meet expectations, noting the tireless efforts of stakeholders in building a robust maritime framework. He extended a warm welcome to the IMO audit team, led by Italo D’Amico, and commended their commitment to fostering maritime excellence.
Mr. D’Amico emphasized the importance of cooperation among Liberian stakeholders. “With the support and collaboration of everyone involved in Liberia’s maritime administration, we hope this audit process will be seamless and will help elevate the nation’s maritime sector,” he remarked.
The IMSAS audit promotes accountability and transparency, encouraging member states to address gaps in their maritime frameworks. By identifying areas for improvement and offering technical assistance where needed, the initiative aims to ensure safer seas and cleaner oceans globally.
The audit team includes Ms. Josephine Nthia and Mr. Aji Vasudevan from the IMO Secretariat. Their work will delve into Liberia’s compliance with IMO conventions covering maritime safety, security, and environmental standards.
Liberia, one of the world’s largest ship registries, has long been a key player in global shipping. The country’s proactive engagement with the IMO reflects its commitment to maintaining high standards in maritime governance.
As the audit progresses, stakeholders hope it will spotlight Liberia’s strengths while offering solutions to any potential challenges. The outcomes will not only strengthen the nation’s maritime reputation but also enhance its contribution to global shipping sustainability.
This audit’s phase is expected to wrap up with findings that will guide Liberia in further strengthening its maritime operations.
