To mark the conclusion of a week-long ISPS assessment visit aimed at examining the enforcement of Anti-Terrorism Measures at Liberia’s port facilities, the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), as Designated Authority of Liberia’s International Port Security Program, met with a delegation from the United States Coast Guard early on December 7, 2023. This appointment was a follow-up. The group visited in October of 2022.
A comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at improving ship and port facility security worldwide is known as the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, or ISPS Code. It was created in reaction to the perceived risks to ports and ships following the September 11, 2001, attacks on American soil. It mandates that every international port create thorough security plans and procedures at every level of its operations and ensure that ships flying their flags receive rigorous security-level information. Seagoing boats traveling internationally, such as cruise ships, tankers, and cargo ships weighing 500 GT or more, are subject to the ISPS Code.
In his remarks, Deputy Commissioner Charles Gono greeted the US team on behalf of Commissioner Eugene Lenn Nagbe and emphasized how important the ISP measures are to Liberia. He assured the delegation that Liberia and all of its flagged ships will continue to take all necessary steps to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, and he expressed Liberia’s sincere gratitude to the US government and people for their assistance.
The director of LiMA’s maritime security, Director Simeon Cheah, said that the assessment week taught him and his team a lot. He promised the US Coast Guard that their recommendations would be implemented and thanked them for their ongoing assistance.
LCDR Janson S. Haynes, the commander of the American team, expressed gratitude to the Liberia Maritime Authority for their evaluation procedure. He praised Liberia for the excellent work being done and said that, despite a few little issues, the nation was honoring its obligations and had lot to be proud of. He recommended that Liberia immediately take into account installing cyber security solutions for its ports and other infrastructure.
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