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Liberian Shipowners Warned: Ensure Compliance with LRIT Regulations
The Liberian Administration has issued a reminder to all shipowners and masters operating vessels registered under its flag to ensure compliance with Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) regulations.
Compliance Requirements
According to a recent circular, owners are advised to:
- Request temporary dispensation from the administration if they require more time for the installation of new equipment, configuration of existing gear, or scheduling of conformance tests.
- Complete the installation and commissioning of LRIT equipment before a full-term Safety Equipment Certificate can be issued.
Notification Requirements
In cases where the LRIT equipment fails, switches off, or ceases to transmit information, masters are required to:
- Notify the administration in writing, along with details of the circumstances leading to the failure.
- Record the notification in the ship’s Official Log Book and subsequent agreement made with the administration.
Regular Maintenance
The Liberian Administration has emphasized the importance of regular maintenance of LRIT equipment. Many issues can be resolved by:
- Resetting or powering down the equipment
- Re-uploading DNID communication protocols
- Inspecting antennae for loose connections or water ingress
- Checking ship earth station numbers
Additionally, masters are advised to:
- Regularly inspect vessels’ antennae and connections to prevent loss of signal due to loose connections or water ingress.
- Check the DNID table after any type of maintenance to the equipment.
National Data Centre
The administration has established a fully functional National Data Centre, operated by Polestar, which is responsible for:
- Integrating all applicable Liberian registered ships
- Conducting satisfactory conformance tests on shipborne LRIT equipment
Configuration and Suitability
For more information on configuring shipborne equipment, owners are referred to Annex 12, which provides guidance on determining the suitability of existing equipment for LRIT purposes.
IsatM2M Satellite Service Withdrawal
The circular also reminds owners that IsatM2M satellite service will be withdrawn from December 31, 2021, and ships with this equipment installed will no longer comply with LRIT regulations.
Contact
For any questions or concerns regarding LRIT compliance, shipowners are advised to contact the Liberian Administration at LRIT@liscr.com.