Liberia 12009
Liberia 12009
Liberia 12009
PURPOSE:
This Marine Notice provides guidance on implementation and compliance with the
requirements for Liberian flag ships to transmit Long Range Tracking and Identification (LRIT)
information.
This Notice provides an overview and clarification of the LRIT requirements in relation to:
1.0 Background
1.2 LRIT is a significant initiative by the International Maritime Organization to address the
many issues presented by the need to respond to achieving maritime domain awareness -
specifically the safety, security and environmental aspects.
1.3 Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) of ships is a maritime security initiative
that allows SOLAS Contracting Governments to request and receive position reports
from vessels operating under their flag and to request and receive position reports of
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Inquiries concerning the subject of this Notice should be directed to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Republic of
Liberia, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, LLC, 8619 Westwood Center Dr., Suite 300, Vienna, VA
22182, USA 06/12
other flagged vessels indicating intentions to enter a port under their jurisdiction and
vessels operating within 1000 nautical miles of their coast. In addition to enhancing
maritime security, the regulations also allow LRIT to be used for search and rescue. LRIT
information will be automatically transmitted from shipborne equipment to Liberias
National Data Center (NDC) where it will be stored until it is requested.
1.4 All Liberian registered ships will send data to the NDC via the Recognized ASP. The
Liberian Administration has appointed Polestar Space Applications Limited to operate
the Liberian NDC on its behalf. Owners of Liberian flagged vessels will incur no costs
associated with the transmission and receipt of the position reports required by LRIT.
1.5 The LRIT information ships will be required to transmit include the ship's identity,
location and date and time of the position. There will be no interface between LRIT and
AIS. One of the more important distinctions between LRIT and AIS, apart from the
obvious one of range, is that, whereas AIS is a broadcast system, data derived through
LRIT will be available only to the recipients who are entitled to receive such information
and safeguards concerning the confidentiality of those data have been built into the
regulatory provisions. SOLAS Contracting Governments will be entitled to receive
information about ships navigating within a distance not exceeding 1000 nautical miles
off their coast.
2.0 Applicability
2.1 The LRIT equipment is applicable to the following Liberian registered vessels engaged
on international voyages:
Cargo ships, including High Speed craft of 300 gross tonnage and above,
Passenger ships, including High Speed passenger craft,
Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU) that are propelled by mechanical means,
Offshore Support Vessels, Special Purpose Ships and Mobile Offshore Units (MOU)
of 300 gross tonnage and above that are propelled by mechanical means,
Commercial yachts of 300 gross tonnage and above.
2.2 Ships, irrespective of the date of construction, fitted with an automatic identification
system (AIS), as defined in SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 19.2.4, and operated
exclusively within sea area A1, as defined in SOLAS Chapter IV, Regulation 2.1.12, are
not required to comply with the provisions of SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 19-1.
Exemption certification from the requirement to comply with SOLAS Chapter V,
Regulation 19-1 is not required.
2.3 The Liberian Administration will be guided by the principles outlined in MSC.1/ Circ.
1295 in determining the application of the LRIT requirements for the following
ships/unit:
1. Mobile and immobile offshore units, including Floating Productions Storage &
Offloading units (FPSO), Floating Storage Units (FSU), Single Buoy Mooring
(SBM), units issued with Liberian Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU)
certificate, and vessels issued with Liberian Mobile offshore Unit (MOU)
Certificates,
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2. Special Purpose Ships,
3. Offshore Support vessels.
2.4 These vessels should comply with the LRIT requirements if they are 300 gross tonnage or
above, propelled by mechanical means, engaged on international voyages outside
GMDSS sea area A1or not fitted with AIS and engaged in voyages within GMDSS sea
area A1.
2.5 Mobile and immobile units which are operating solely within the territorial waters of a
specific country should liaise with the Government of that country in order to provide
information (position and expected time in location) on the vessel.
2.6 Mobile and immobile units which are fitted with LRIT equipment should notify the
Administration when they are moored on site and the expected period that the unit will be
moored as the frequency of LRIT data may be reduced by the Administration. The
Administration should then be notified when the unit is to undertake a voyage from the
moored location. All notification shall be recorded in the units Official Log Book.
2.7 For the purpose of the Administrations requirements for LRIT and notwithstanding the
definitions provided in the SOLAS regulations and IMO guidelines, the following terms
are deemed to apply:
Company is the entity responsible for the management of the ship in accordance
with the ISM Code. For ships which the ISM Code is not applicable, the Company is
the Managing Owner.
Conformance test result is the document that is issued by the Authorized Testing
ASP outlining the results of the conformance test. This document is provided to the
Administration in order to obtain a Conformance Test Report (CTR).
Conformance Test Report (CTR) is the document issued by the Administration to
certify that the LRIT equipment has successfully completed a conformance test
Gross tonnage is the tonnage measured in accordance with the International
Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships 1969
International voyage is a voyage that is outside the territorial waters of Liberia and
between two or more countries.
Radio Survey is the survey for Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety
Certificate, High Speed Craft Certificate, Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Certificate,
Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Certificate, Mobile Offshore
Unit certificate, and any other certificates covering such purposes
Recognized ASP means an Application Service Provider which has been recognized
by The Administration in accordance with the provisions of the IMO revised
performance standards. The recognized ASP is assigned to operate the Data Center
and to provide a communication protocol interface between the communication
Service Provider and the LRIT Data Center.
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3.0 Exemptions and Equivalent Arrangements
3.1 Vessels that are operating exclusively in a GMDSS A1 sea area and are fitted with AIS
are not required to install LRIT equipment. However such vessels will require an
exemption or equivalent arrangement if they engage in an international voyage outside
the GMDSS A1 sea area.
3.2 Ships/units specified in paragraphs 2.1 and 3.1 above which are not normally engaged in
international voyages but are required to undertake a single international voyage or which
are re-positioning from a GMDSS sea area A1 should apply to the Administration for
consideration of exemption or equivalence in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS
regulations I/4, IV/3.1, IV/3.2 and V/3.
3.3 Any application, which is submitted under paragraph 3.2 above, should include details of
the proposed voyage, including dates, length of voyage, port/place of departure and
port/location of destination.
3.4 The Administration will liaise with the Recognized Organization (RO) that issued the
affected safety certificate and if the exemption is granted or equivalent arrangement
accepted, the Administration will authorize the RO accordingly and advise of any
applicable conditions in order that the affected certificate can be duly annotated.
3.5 Vessels applying for such exemptions should note that in accordance with the guidelines
of MSC.1/Circ. 1295, there may be a requirement for the Manager/Owner to submit the
voyage plan (and any amendments) or report at specified intervals to not only the
Governments where the vessel is proceeding but also Governments of the coast of which
the ship might be navigating, subject to those countries being entitled to the information
in accordance with the requirements of SOLAS Regulation V/19-1.
Owners may utilize any equipment to transmit LRIT information on the provision that the
equipment:
demonstrates compliance with the requirements of SOLAS Regulations V/19-1.6
and V/19-1.7, and the revised performance standards as referenced in IMO Circular
MSC.1/Circ. 1307, and
has undergone a satisfactory conformance test. In addition, and if the equipment is
being used for another function, e.g. ship security alert system (SSAS) or GMDSS
transmission, the equipment shall also comply with the relevant performance
standards relating to that function.
4.1 Vessels intending to use existing GMDSS equipment for the purpose of transmitting
LRIT information and which, for the purpose of complying with the requirements of
SOLAS regulation IV/15.6 in relation to availability, are provided with duplicated
equipment, are only required to use one of the sets of duplicated equipment fitted on
board for transmitting LRIT information.
4.2 Notwithstanding 4.2 above, if a ship is fitted with more than one transmitting unit
(shipboard equipment) that is intended to be utilized for LRIT purposes and integrated
into the Liberian LRIT Data Centre, a satisfactory conformance test must be carried out
and Conformance Test Report issued for each unit (equipment). Only one of the
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transmitting units will be registered in the Data Center at a given time to avoid
duplication of position reports.
4.3 The Conformance Test Report will be annotated to reflect that the LRIT equipment
satisfies the applicable type approval and/or certification in accordance with the
applicable requirement of:
And if applicable, SOLAS Regulation XI-2/6, i.e. where a terminal is approved for SSAS
function.
5.1 A conformance test is required for all shipborne LRIT equipment, in order to ensure that
the equipment, as fitted onboard, complies with the provisions of SOLAS Regulation
V/19-1.6 and the LRIT revised performance standards and functional requirement.
5.2 The conformance test shall be conducted by one of the Liberian Administrations
authorized Testing Application Service Provider (Testing ASP) whose details are
outlined below.
5.3 The conformance test shall be conducted taking into consideration the criteria noted in
paragraph 5.1 and in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS Regulation V/19-1.4.1.
The conformance test process is as follows:
1. Owners of ships subject to SOLAS V/19-1 will need to register the chosen Inmarsat
C Mobile Earth Station for testing with the Authorized Application Service Provider.
2. Once registration is complete, an activation code (Data Reporting and Polling Closed
Network Identity or DNID) and other supplemental commands will be downloaded
automatically to the vessels chosen Inmarsat C Mobile Earth Station. This will
activate the transmissions required for the test.
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3. Following activation, there will be a period of testing in line with guidelines
contained in MSC.1/Circ.1257. This is necessary to ensure the transmitted data is
accurate and reliable. This testing will be carried out remotely by the Authorized
ASP. Upon successful completion, a test certificate will be issued by the Liberian
Administration. All vessels must hold such a certificate to comply with SOLAS
V/19-1.
4. Owners of ships with terminals that do not support LRIT will need to either upgrade
one of the Inmarsat C Mobile Earth Stations onboard or install a 'standalone' LRIT
terminal.
5.4 Taking into consideration the principle that an applicable vessel should transmit LRIT
information as from the date that it enters service, vessels which are constructed prior to
31 December 2008 but which are not due to be delivered until after this date should
undergo a conformance test prior to the vessel entering service.
5.5 The conformance test should be conducted before the radio survey due date. If the test
has been unsuccessful, the vessel should still have documentation attesting to a
conformance test being carried out.
6.1 The Recognized Organization (RO), taking into consideration the compliance dates in
accordance with the provisions of SOLAS Regulation V/19-1.4.1 and the guidance
outlined in Sections 8 & 9 of MSC.1/Circ.1307, should ensure that vessels have a valid
conformance test document prior to issuing the full term Safety Equipment Certificate
during the applicable surveys.
6.2 On satisfactory completion of a shipborne terminal conformance test, the ASP conducting
the test shall submit the LRIT conformance test results to the Administration in
accordance with conditions and format outlined in the Testing ASP agreement.
6.3 For cargo ships of gross tonnage of 300 and above but of less than 500, which have not
been issued Cargo Ship Safety certificate, compliance with the LRIT requirements should
be verified by having on board a valid Conformance Test Report.
6.5 The Administration will issue the Conformance Test Report document. There is no
additional action required from the shipowner once the test has been successfully
completed since the test report data is automatically forwarded to the Administration by
the Authorized Testing ASP.
6.6 Endorsement and Renewal of the Safety Equipment Certificate In accordance with the
provisions of MSC.1/Circ. 1307 with regards to the LRIT equipment, during annual
surveys the attending surveyor should endorse the Safety Equipment Certificate provided
that the Conformance Test Report document is still valid. At the time of renewal of the
Safety Equipment Certificate the Certificate should be reissued if the vessel still has a
valid Conformance Test Report document. No annual test or other verification of the
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LRIT equipment is required for the annual or renewal survey of the Safety Equipment
Certificate.
7.1 The LRIT conformance testing process concludes with the issuance of a formal LRIT
CTR to the shipowner by the Administration. The original LRIT CTR shall be placed on
board.
7.2 The LRIT CTR must remain with the ships documents for as long as the shipborne
terminal is deemed compliant in accordance to paragraph 8 below. The CTR does not
expire until such time as there may be reason to require the LRIT conformance test to be
repeated and the LRIT CTR reissued as per paragraph 8.
8.1 In accordance with the provisions of Sections 7.2, 7.3 and 10 of MSC.1/Circ. 1307, the
shipborne equipment is required to undergo a new conformance test and a new
Conformance Test Report is required to be issued where:
8.2 Notwithstanding paragraph 8.1, the Administration recommends that the Conformance
Test Report be re-issued when changes occur affecting the ship details, particularly if
there is a change in the vessels name.
8.3 Change of Vessel Name: the Shipowner may send a request for an amended
Conformance Test Report to Vessel Certificates at email: [email protected].
The request should specify the vessels IMO number, previous name and confirm the
vessels new name.
8.4 Change of Flag: the procedures outline in Section 9 of this Notice shall be followed.
9.0 Transfer of flag and ships permanently being taking out of service
9.1 In order for a vessel to commence transmitting the required data and to ensure the timely
compliance with the provisions of V/19-1, the LRIT equipment must be integrated into
the Liberian NDC. When a ship enters or leaves the Flag, as part of the transfer process it
is therefore essential that commercial details such as ships name, flag, LRIT equipment
identifiers and serial numbers be completed in a timely manner to accomplish or maintain
compliance with the requirement to transmit LRIT information at the time that Flag
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change occurs. Recognizing this need to ensure a timely integration of a vessel to the
Liberian NDC, Companies intending to transfer a LRIT applicable vessel to the Liberian
Registry must provide the Administration with the following information during the
registration process:
the ship IMO number,
current flag,
the proposed date of transfer
copy of existing Conformance Test Report, and
confirmation of scheduled Conformance Test with a Liberian Authorized Testing
ASP (if previous CTR was not conducted with a Liberian authorized ASP or if no
CTR has been conducted).
9.2 If the Testing ASP that issued the existing CTR is one listed in paragraph 5.2, the
Company should instruct the Testing ASP to forward the LRIT conformance test results,
in the required format, to the Administration in order to enable effective integration. The
Shipowner will need to confirm that there is no change to the equipment and provide the
ASP with the updated details regarding the following:
Vessel name (if applicable)
Port of Registry
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number
Shipborne Equipment Identifier
9.3 In cases where the Testing ASP that issued the previous CTR is not authorized by the
Liberian Administration or in cases where no prior CT was conducted, the transfer of flag
will require a vessel to undergo a new conformance test of the LRIT shipborne
equipment. Owners should be advised that the duration of the conformance testing is
approximately 48 hours and is conducted remotely.
9.3.1 In order to expedite the process owners may schedule a conformance test, with
an ASP authorized by the Liberian Administration, prior to the transfer of flag.
The new Inmarsat Mobile Number (IMN), issued by the Liberian Administration
after transfer of flag, must be provided to the ASP so that a new CTR can be
issued by the Administration.
9.4 In the event that a vessel is to be transferred from the Liberian flag or will be
permanently taken out of service, Companies must promptly notify the Administrations
LRIT department at: [email protected] in order to enable the timely deletion
of the LRIT shipborne equipment from the Liberian LRIT NDC.
9.5 As a vessel has to be integrated to the Data Centre in order to transmit the required LRIT
information, Companies should note that the integration/decommission of a LRIT
shipborne equipment is critical to ensuring that affected vessels are not unduly penalized
or detained for failing to transmit LRIT information.
9.6 In the event that the applicable transferring vessel is not equipped with LRIT capable
equipment and/or has not conducted a conformance test then shipborne equipment must
be selected, as per paragraph 4, and a conformance test must be conducted, as per
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paragraph 5. Considering that more time may be required for installation of new
equipment, configuration of existing equipment and/or scheduling of a conformance test,
owners should contact the Administration to request a temporary dispensation to allow
the time necessary to complete these undertakings. The installation and commissioning of
the new LRIT equipment must be completed before a full term Safety Equipment
Certificate may be issued.
10.0 Failure of the LRIT equipment, switching off the LRIT equipment, ceasing the
distribution of LRIT Information, and reducing the frequency or temporarily
stopping the transmission of LRIT information
10.1 The Administration will advise the relevant parties if it intends to cease the distribution of
LRIT information and/or reduce the frequency or temporarily stop transmitting LRIT
Information. The Master shall record such notification in the vessels Official Log Book.
10.2 The Master or Company Security Officer (CSO) shall notify the Administration in
writing at: [email protected] of the following circumstances that may warrant
the LRIT equipment being switched off:
ship is undergoing repairs, modifications or conversions in dry-dock,
in port or is laid up for a period exceeding 7 days,
circumstances where the ship is without electrical power for longer than 12 hours.
In such cases, the notification and subsequent agreement shall be recorded in the
ships Official Log Book and the Administration shall be advised when the LRIT
equipment is switched on in order that it can be re-integrated into the Liberian LRIT
Data Centre.
10.3 The Master or CSO shall notify the Administration, Recognized Organization and if
applicable, the local port State authorities of any failure of the LRIT equipment. In such
cases, the notification shall be recorded in the ships Official Log Book and all applicable
parties shall be advised when the LRIT equipment is fully operational. When notifying
the Administration the Master or CSO shall request a dispensation from the
Administration to allow the vessel to operate without a properly working LRIT unit.
11.0 Current status of the implementation of the Liberian LRIT National Data Centre
11.1 The Liberian Administration has established a fully functional National Data Centre
which is operated on its behalf by Polestar (www.polestarglobal.com) who is also
authorized as the Liberian Recognized Application Service Provider (Recognized ASP)
to perform the functions in accordance with section 5.3 of the revised LRIT performance
standards and functional requirements.
11.2 All applicable Liberian registered vessels will be integrated into the Liberian LRIT Data
Centre depending on the date of their radio survey (detailed in paragraph 2) and subject
to a satisfactory CT of the shipborne LRIT equipment.
12.1 The following guidance is provided to assist shipowners and masters with determining
the suitability of existing equipment for LRIT. This information is not intended to be
exhaustive of all possible configurations and may contain errors as it is supplied by
manufacturers and other third parties.
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12.2 For Inmarsat-C shipborne equipment; the make and model of equipment may be
determined using the first six digits of the Inmarsat Serial Number (ISN). If the
equipment appears to be LRIT capable; the following steps should be taken:
Contact the manufacturer to confirm that the shipborne equipment has current
software/firmware versions; and
Ensure that Polling & Data Reporting (PDR) functions are enabled; and
Ensure that Macro Encoded Message 11 (MEM-11) is enabled.
For IsatM2M and Iridium shipborne equipment.
All models listed are suitable for LRIT without further configuration.
13.1 The following list shows common Inmarsat-C models and approved shipborne equipment
for other Communications Service Providers (CSPs). For information on models not
shown contact the Recognized ASP or the equipment manufacturer to determine
suitability for LRIT:
NOTES:
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3. This model may be LRIT capable; contact manufacturer with equipment serial number
for confirmation.
4. This model is not recommended by manufacturer, although it may pass an LRIT
Conformance Test.
5. This model may require firmware upgrade or reconfiguration if used for dual SSAS &
LRIT compliance.
* * * * *
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