Media Center
(June 16, 2010) - Bureau of Maritime Affairs (The "BMA")
Immediate Suspension Of The Regulations For The Carriage Of Passengers On Cargo Vessels Within The Liberian Territorial Waters - All Vessel Owners, Shipping Agencies, Passengers And Other Stakeholders
Whereas terrible road conditions brought about as a result of heavy rainfall and adverse environmental conditions in Liberia during the Rainy Season severely impaired commerce thus necessitating an alternate means of travel between major commercial areas; and
Whereas the BMA, having been convinced that marine transport along the inter-coastal waterways of Liberia was a viable alternative to land transportation during the Rainy Season; and
Whereas the BMA also recognizing that there are currently no passenger vessels plying Liberia’s inter-coastal waterways, saw the need to facilitate an alternate means of providing transport for passengers who, by necessity, must accompany their cargo when shipped for commercial and other purposes; and
Whereas in consideration of the above, the BMA promulgated Administrative Regulation No. (CPF)/BMA/RLM-300/T-001/’08)) in accordance with the Liberian Maritime Law and Regulations, named “The, Regulation for the Carriage of Passengers on Cargo vessels within the Liberian Territorial Waters, which was to be followed by all vessels operating within Liberian Territorial Waters; and
Whereas a tragedy occurred over the weekend of May 30, 2010 in which lives and property were lost; and
Whereas the BMA as a statutory body within the Republic of Liberia clothed with the authority to regulate matters arising from these incidents has ordered a full investigation into the matter;
Now therefore, and with immediate effect: ‘The Regulation for the Carriage of Passengers on Cargo vessels within the Liberian Territorial water’, (Administrative Regulation No. (CPF)/BMA/RLM-300/T-001/’08)) is hereby rescinded until further notice.
Any vessel found to be operating in contravention of this regulation shall be seized, and the owners and agents shall be fined a severe penalty. The BMA shall reserve the right to revoke indefinitely all licenses and certificates of the aforementioned, and make a determination if forfeiture of said vessel is necessary under the circumstances and in accordance with the law.
Links
"We have risen to meet monumental challenges while maintaining and improving our services"