Liberia, China Strengthen Maritime Safety Cooperation

The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has welcomed a delegation from China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA).

The Chinese delegation is in the country for a technical engagement focused on strengthening maritime safety, fleet quality, regulatory compliance, and Port State Control cooperation between Liberia, and China.

Mr. Gu Biao Deputy Director of Ship Safety Supervision at the China Maritime Safety Administration, headed the delegation.

The engagement was conducted under an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Cooperation between LiMA, and the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China.

The agreement provides a framework for the exchange of maritime information, technical expertise, and best practices, while promoting cooperation in maritime safety, and the development of international maritime transportation.

During the visit, Chinese maritime officials held technical discussions with officials of LiMA, and participated in a joint maritime safety inspection, as well as a technical visit to the Liberia Maritime Training Institute (LMTI).

The joint inspection allowed maritime safety experts from both the countries to assess vessel safety, and operational standards while exchanging knowledge on inspection procedures, statutory certification, safety management systems, and emergency preparedness.

The teams also examined navigation, and communication equipment, lifesaving, and firefighting appliances, pollution prevention measures, crew certification, and compliance with applicable international maritime conventions.

Emmanuel Dolakeh, Director of Safety, Inspection, Survey and Audit and Port State Control at LiMA, said, the engagement provides an important platform to strengthen Liberia’s maritime safety oversight, and deepening cooperation with international maritime administrations.

He said, the technical exchange would enable the both sides to share practical experience, compare inspection procedures, and identify areas requiring further improvement.

“Our objective is not only to identify deficiencies, but to promote a culture of continuous improvement, ensure that vessels meet international standards, and strengthen the capacity as a responsible Flag State,” Dolakeh said.

Gu Biao emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two maritime administrations in promoting safe, and efficient maritime transportation.

He noted that technical exchanges, and joint activities provide opportunities for both countries to share experiences, improve regulatory practices, and enhance maritime safety standards.

The Chinese delegation also visited the Liberia Maritime Training Institute, where discussions focused on maritime education, and training, seafarer competency, practical, and simulator-based training, training infrastructure, and instructor development.

The discussions further addressed quality assurance, and compliance with international maritime training standards.

A separate technical meeting between LiMA, and MSA representatives focused on fleet quality, and Flag State compliance, with particular attention to vessel conditions, maintenance standards, statutory certification, safety management, and effective regulatory oversight.

The two sides also exchanged experiences on Port State Control, including risk-based vessel targeting, inspection procedures, identification, and follow-up of deficiencies, detention criteria, corrective measures, and information sharing.

The engagement highlighted the shared commitment of Liberia and China to ensure that vessels operating within the international maritime system comply with applicable safety, security, environmental, and operational standards.

LiMA described the visit as an important step in the continued implementation of the maritime cooperation agreement between Liberia and China, noting that the partnership is expected to contribute to the maritime regulatory, and technical capacity.

The Authority expressed appreciation to China’s Maritime Safety Administration for its continued partnership, and technical engagement.

According to LiMA, sustained cooperation between the two administrations will support efforts to improve maritime safety, seafarer development, fleet quality, environmental protection and effective maritime administration.

Both sides agreed on the importance to maintain regular technical consultations, strengthen information exchange, explore additional capacity-building opportunities, and continue cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The Liberia Maritime Authority said, it remains committed to strengthen international partnerships, and adopt best practices to support a safe, secure, environmentally responsible, and efficient maritime sector for Liberia, and the global shipping community.