Marine Advisory: 11/2020-2 - Implementation of IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.1: COVID-19 – Implementation and enforcement of relevant IMO instruments

20 April 2020

Marine Advisory: 11/2020-2

Replaces Marine Advisory 11/2020

SUBJECT: Implementation of IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.1:

COVID-19 – Implementation and enforcement of relevant IMO instruments

1. IMO Circular Letter No.4204/Add.1 - COVID-19 – Implementation and enforcement of relevant IMO instruments - Link

Updated Link 2. Marine Advisory 07/2020-2- Guidance to Assist with Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Ship Operations - Link

Dear Port State Authorities and PSC MOUs:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to inform port State Authorities and PSC MOU’s about the Liberian Administration’s implementation of the Circular Letter No.4204/Add.1 in reference 1. above issued by the IMO Secretariat on 19 February 2020 to assist shipowners, operators, masters and recognized organizations that may be experiencing difficulty in conducting operations due to the impacts on the shipping industry resulting from the sudden and rapid outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The Administration has received numerous reports from shipowners, operators, masters and recognized organizations experiencing difficulty in conducting operations, due to the COVID-19. These difficulties include restricted access to shipyards and ports for inspectors, auditors, surveyors and crews, which could result in delays in conducting statutory surveys, audits, inspections, crew changes, etc., to maintain validity of certificates and compliance with regulations.

On 24 February 2020, the Liberian Administration issued Marine Advisory 07/2020 which has since then been replaced with the revised Marine Advisory 07/2020-2 on 08 April, 2020 in reference 2. above providing Guidance to assist with the impact of COVID-19 and includes the following:

1. Audits under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code affecting the validity of the Safety Management Certificate (SMC);
2. Audits under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code affecting the validity of the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC);
3. All statutory surveys under SOLAS 74, MARPOL 73/78, BWM Convention 2004

1. STCW Convention 1978, as amended

1. Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

The Liberian Administration is requesting the kind understanding and cooperation of port State authorities during this difficult and uncertain period that also shipowners, operators, masters and recognized organizations are experiencing.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact RegsandStandards@lisc.com.

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