Important Update on Hazardous Materials Inventory for Liberian Flag Vessels

The Liberian Maritime Authority has recently issued a critical update regarding the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) required for ships registered under the Liberian flag. This update aligns with the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) and addresses compliance with both European Union and International Maritime Organization regulations. Refer a Attachment.

New Survey Requirements:
Starting from April 1, 2024, the Administration will directly conduct all surveys related to the IHM for vessels both currently registered and those registering with Liberia. This transition from Recognized Organizations (ROs) to the Administration marks a significant change in the procedure to enhance the consistency and oversight of hazardous material management.

Compliance Deadlines:
Vessels calling at any European Union port are required to have a valid Inventory Certificate on Hazardous Materials (ICIHM) onboard. Additionally, for ships visiting non-EU ports worldwide, the same certification is mandated by June 26, 2025, or before the vessel goes for recycling if this occurs sooner. This ensures that all Liberian-flagged vessels meet the necessary environmental protection and safety standards regardless of their operational areas.

Certification Process:
The Administration’s auditors are empowered to issue the ICIHM, referencing the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR), to meet both EU and IMO requirements. Notably, additional shipboard inspections may not be necessary if the IHM has been properly maintained and updated as required by the regulations.

Survey Integration Options:
Surveys for the IHM can be conducted either as standalone services or integrated with other routine inspections, such as the Annual Safety Inspection (ASI) or audits under the ISM Code, ISPS Code, and Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

Documentation for Full-term Certification:
To obtain a full-term certificate, vessel operators must submit the following documentation to the Administration by June 26, 2025:

  • An initial IHM Part I report and updated maintenance records compliant with MEPC.379(80).
  • The existing Statement of Compliance or International Certificate on IHM previously issued by classification societies.

Scheduling and Fees:
For details on how to schedule a survey, including options to advance or extend the date of the ASI, and information on associated fees, stakeholders should contact the Administration via email at Audit@liscr.com.

Need Assistance?
For any queries or assistance related to this update or other maritime compliance issues, please reach out to Marine Mechanics Consultants at mmconsultants@marinemechanics.biz. Our team is ready to support you in navigating these new regulations and ensuring your fleet meets global safety and environmental standards.

Dive into the Future of Maritime Innovation with Marine Mechanics at the Ship & Boat International Expo 2024!

Exciting news! Marine Mechanics is participating as a Technology Tool Partner at the upcoming Ship & Boat International Expo 2024, Asia’s hub for maritime technologies.

Why Visit Us?
Innovative Digital Tools: Explore our advanced solutions for Ship Recycling, Vessel Inspections and Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) Maintenance.

Experience Technology: Get hands-on with our tools, shaping a safer and more sustainable maritime future.

Event Details
Dates: February 28th – March 1st, 2024
Location: Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai

Join the Maritime Community
Our booth is a must-visit for professionals in shipbuilding, vessel purchase or recycling. Discover how digital innovations can elevate your operations.

We Want to Hear from You!
Will we see you there? Share in the comments which innovations excite you the most! You can also reach out to us at mmconsultants@marinemechanics.biz

Register Here : Ship & Boat International Expo 2024

Revolutionizing Ship Recycling with Green Innovation

At Marine Mechanics, we are thrilled to introduce our groundbreaking digital ship recycling tool, a platform designed to revolutionize the recycling industry. This tool is not just a technological advancement; it’s a leap towards a sustainable and responsible future. In our latest video, we’ve unveiled the features that make this tool a game-changer. Here’s why you should be as excited as we are.

Carbon Capture: A Step Towards a Greener Future
The recycling industry has long been under scrutiny for its environmental impact. Our digital ship recycling tool aims to change that narrative. The platform quantifies your carbon savings, offering a tangible measure of your contribution to a greener future. By using our tool, you’re not just recycling ships; you’re actively participating in the revolution for sustainable recycling operations.

RFID Enabled Tracking: Enhancing Productivity and Safety
One of the most significant challenges in ship recycling is ensuring worker safety and productivity. Our tool comes with RFID-enabled tracking that allows for real-time monitoring of labor involved in the ship recycling process. This feature enhances both productivity and worker safety in the yard, ensuring that you can manage your operations more efficiently.

Full Spectrum Transparency: Building Trust and Accountability
Transparency is crucial in any industry, but even more so in ship recycling, where ship owners need to be confident about the process. Our tool brings ship owners into the heart of the recycling process, offering real-time documentation at every stage. This feature establishes trust and accountability, ensuring that you can be confident about the recycling process from start to finish.

Visual Journey: Daily Photographic Updates
A picture is worth a thousand words, and in the case of ship recycling, it offers peace of mind. Our tool provides daily photographic updates, giving you firsthand insight into the recycling yard’s activities. This visual journey allows you to be a part of the process, even if you’re miles away.

Safety and Training Embedded: A Relentless Pursuit of ESG Compliance
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance is not just a buzzword for us; it’s a commitment. Our tool integrates training modules and safe working procedures, emphasizing our relentless pursuit of ESG compliance. By using our platform, you’re not just meeting industry standards; you’re setting new ones.

Conclusion: Join the Revolution
Our digital ship recycling tool is more than just a technological innovation; it’s a holistic approach to responsible and sustainable ship recycling. We invite you to join us in merging sustainability with innovation for a holistic, responsible, and sustainable ship recycling experience.

Ready to be a part of this revolutionary journey? Connect with us at mmconsultants@marinemechanics.biz to learn more.

Join us in making a difference. Together, we can revolutionize the recycling industry and contribute to a greener, safer, and more transparent world.

Looking for timely assistance to rectify faults and problems with your navigation & communication equipments?

Introducing – Marine Call Center

Marine Call Center – A 24/7 manned call center to give complete Navcom solution to ship’s owners & management companies, we offer remote support through our Marine Call Center.

Our skilled engineers and coordinators are available to take calls directly from the vessels any day of the week.

Marine Call Center is a unique knowledge based concept where a ship’s crew can receive troubleshooting procedures, guidance and advise through e-mail or telephone from our RMS service team on Navigation, Automation & Electrical equipments.

Please write to info@marinecallcenter.com to know more.

New VHF Regulation – MSC.1/Circ. 1460/Rev.3.

“Implementation of the latest Radio Communication Regulations Appendix No.18 including 4-digit channel will be effective at first radio survey on or after 1 January 2024”

The Maritime Safety Committee of IMO recognized that incompatibility might exist between VHF radio-communication equipment installed on ships and onshore and the revised frequencies and channeling arrangements for the maritime VHF bands as contained in appendix 18 to the ITU Radio Regulations (RR) – Edition 2020.

ITU made extensive changes to appendix 18 of the RR. Find here MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.3.These changes do not affect the GMDSS but the use of other frequencies for VHF meteorological, navigational, and urgent marine information broadcasts, port operations, and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS). According to the Performance standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of communication and digital selective calling (resolution A.803(19), as amended), VHF radiocommunication equipment should comply with the RR.

Based on the new regulation, the first radio survey which will take place after 1st of January 2024, all VHFs have to comply with the appendix 18 of the Radio Regulations, which require 4-digit channels to be available on the fixed VHFs on board.

Ship Owners and managers are advised to take note of above and accordingly liaise with the VHF radio communication equipment manufacturer to arrange for timely up gradation of the equipment on their ships.

Please get in touch with us at technical@marinemechanics.biz to understand the next course of action for the VHF Installations onbaord your vessels.

Panama Canal Authority’s Latest Advisory

Mandatory Real Time Kinematics Requirement

Effective October 1, 2023, all vessels with a beam of 109 feet or more transiting the Panama Canal will be required to have a fixed (non-portable) piloting unit with Real Time Kinematics (RTK) for submeter accuracy. This measure is expected to improve the efficiency of the waterway by eliminating the delays associated with the installation of portable piloting units (PPU-RTK).

The vessel will be responsible to procure, install, configure, and maintain the fixed piloting unit in proper condition. The unit shall be installed and powered to provide the required communication with the pilot´s tablet and the SafePilot’s software via wireless network, ensuring a stable and long-range connection in all conning positions during the transit through the Panama Canal. Continue reading “Panama Canal Authority’s Latest Advisory”


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