LiMA, China Maritime Authority Step Up Vessel Safety and Regulatory Oversight

MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) and China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) are stepping up efforts to strengthen vessel safety, regulatory compliance and Port State Control as both countries deepen technical cooperation in the maritime sector.

The engagement brought together maritime safety experts from Liberia and China for a joint maritime safety inspection, technical discussions on fleet quality and regulatory compliance, and an assessment of maritime education and training at the Liberia Maritime Training Institute.

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

The visit was conducted under an existing Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation between LiMA and the MSA, which provides a framework for exchanging maritime information, technical expertise and best practices.

The joint inspection focused on vessel safety and operational standards, including statutory certification, safety management systems, emergency preparedness, navigation and communication equipment, lifesaving and firefighting appliances, pollution prevention measures and crew certification.

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

Mr. Emmanuel Dolakeh, Director of Safety, Inspection, Survey and Audit and Port State Control at LiMA, said the engagement provides an important opportunity to strengthen Liberia’s maritime safety oversight and regulatory capacity.

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

The Chinese delegation also visited the Liberia Maritime Training Institute, where discussions centered on seafarer competency, practical and simulator-based training, training infrastructure, instructor development, quality assurance and compliance with international maritime training standards.

The engagement further examined fleet quality and Flag State compliance, with attention to vessel condition, maintenance standards, statutory certification, safety management and effective regulatory oversight.

Mr. Gu Biao emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two maritime administrations, noting that technical exchanges and joint activities provide opportunities to share experience, improve regulatory practices and enhance maritime safety standards.

The cooperation comes as Liberia seeks to strengthen its maritime regulatory and technical capacity while ensuring that vessels operating within the international maritime system meet applicable safety, security, environmental and operational standards.

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

LiMA said the continued partnership with China will contribute to improved maritime safety, seafarer development, fleet quality, environmental protection and effective maritime administration for Liberia and the global shipping community.