Liberia Maritime Administration Issues New Requirements for LRIT Conformance Testing
The Liberia Maritime Administration has issued Marine Advisory No. 38/2023, outlining revised requirements for Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) conformance testing. The new guidelines take into account the International Maritime Organization’s Assembly Resolution A.1192(33).
Validity Period of Conformance Test Reports
All Conformance Test Reports will now have a validity period of not more than 12 months from the date of completion. This means that vessel owners and operators must conduct annual conformance tests based on the anniversary date of their last test.
Due Dates for Annual Conformance Tests
The Liberia Maritime Administration has provided examples for due dates of annual conformance tests, as shown in the table below:
| Vessel Type | Last Test Date | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Tanker | 2022-01-15 | 2023-01-15 |
| Container Ship | 2022-06-20 | 2023-06-20 |
| Bulk Carrier | 2022-08-25 | 2023-08-25 |
Conducting Conformance Tests
Vessels will need to have their conformance tests conducted directly through the Liberian Administration’s Authorized Testing Application Service Provider (ASP) using an online portal.
Designated ASP and LRIT Equipment Requirements
Pole Star Space Applications Limited is the designated ASP and can be contacted for more information on recognized maritime mobile satellite service ship earth station models, as well as guidance on configuring LRIT-capable equipment. Inmarsat C shipborne equipment must have:
- Current software/firmware versions
- Enabled Polling & Data Reporting (PDR) functions
- Macro Encoded Message 11 (MEM-11) enabled
to be suitable for LRIT.
Compliance and Next Steps
The Liberia Maritime Administration has advised vessel owners and operators to ensure compliance with the new requirements. The revised guidelines aim to improve the effectiveness of LRIT testing and ensure the safe and efficient operation of Liberian-flagged vessels.