IMO Concludes IMSAS Audit On Liberia’s Maritime Program With A Call To Action
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has concluded its member state audit scheme of the Liberian maritime program.
The exercise ended on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the headquarters of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) in Congo Town.
The Commissioner/CEO of LiMA, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. said the findings and recommendations from the audit process will be given serious consideration for the sole purpose of improving the Liberian maritime program which is the ultimate goal of the IMSAS audit.
“This exercise is basically to help our system. It is not meant to undermine. We are open to working with the team from the IMO Secretariat to help improve our system. We are optimistic that all of the findings and recommendations will be acted upon,” Commissioner Lighe, Sr. pointed out.
He thanked the IMO Audit team for the professionalism and cordial working relationship that existed between the Liberian team and them.
For his part, the team lead of the auditors, Mr. Italo D’Amico lauded the significant cooperation among stakeholders in Liberia.
Mr. D’Amico said he is happy with the cooperation that underpinned the seamless manner in which the audit process was conducted over the several days in Monrovia.
The IMSAS audit promotes accountability and transparency, encouraging Member States to address gaps in their maritime frameworks.
By identifying areas for improvement and offering technical assistance where needed, the initiative aims to ensure safer seas and cleaner oceans globally.
The audit team includes Ms. Josephine Nthia and Mr. Aji Vasudevan from the IMO Secretariat. Their work will delve into Liberia’s compliance with IMO conventions covering maritime safety, security, and environmental standards.
Liberia, one of the world’s largest ship registries, has long been a key player in global shipping. The country’s proactive engagement with the IMO reflects its commitment to maintaining high standards in maritime governance.
As the audit progresses, stakeholders hope it will spotlight Liberia’s strengths while offering solutions to any potential challenges. The outcomes will not only strengthen the nation’s maritime reputation but also enhance its contribution to global shipping sustainability.
Source : LiMA
