In response to disruptions caused by COVID-19, the Liberian Flag Registry has carried out its first remote Annual Safety Inspections (ASI) aboard one of its ships.
In the first week of April, Liberia’s inspections team liaised with the ship’s crew remotely via web-based video communication. Altogether they reviewed the ASI checklist, checked documents, safety equipment, reviewed drills, and inspected the condition of the vessel.
Amid major restrictions faced by inspectors travelling to ships around the globe, this is the next in a series of contingency measures implemented by Liberia during the COVID-19 crisis. Among these, Liberia has allowed remote vessel closings and instrument recordation, remote Class surveys, and now the remote ASI programme to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“I have to applaud our Inspections team for their practical and real-world solution, which ensures that the flag state is able to carry out its obligation of safety oversight of its fleet in a way that is not burdensome to the vessels, nor puts the health of the crew and inspectors in jeopardy,” said Alfonso Castillero, chief operating officer of Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry.
Source: Safety At Sea
