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International Participation


International Maritime Conventions

The following conventions and protocols enabled the Liberian Registry to continue to render quality service to its customers while meeting our obligations to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These conventions and protocols were ratified in 2008 and are being implemented:

  1. The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (Bunkers) 2001, which ensures that adequate, prompt, and effective compensation is available for persons who suffer damage caused by spills of oil when carried as fuel in ships’ bunkers. It also applies to damage caused on the territory including the territorial sea, and in exclusive economic zones of a state party. The Bunker Convention requires the registered owner of a vessel to maintain compulsory insurance coverage. It further allows injured parties to file claims for compensation for pollution damage directly against an insurer. This convention ensures that Liberian ship-owners are covered by an international liability compensation regime.

  2. The International Convention On the Control Of Harmful Anti-fouling System On Ships (AFS) 2001, which prohibits the use of harmful Organ Tin Compounds when acting as biocides in anti- fouling paints used on ships and establishes a mechanism to prevent the potential future use of other harmful substances in anti- fouling systems on ships flying the flag of state party to the convention. This Convention will enable Liberia to contribute greatly to the reduction of the harmful environment and ensure that Liberian ship operators are not placed at a competitive disadvantage.

  3. International Convention for The Control And Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004, which requires that ship, not only have onboard, but also implement a ballast water management plan, which ensures that water is poured into the tank of the ship to balance it when it doesn’t have Cargo onboard. The convention also allows Liberian registered ships to enjoy the same privilege as other registered ships and will not face the possibility of being banned from entering certain ports or territorial waters.

  4. Convention on Limitation of Liability For Maritime Claims, (LLMC), 1976, As Amended By the 1996 Protocol, (entered into force in May 2004), which significantly increases the liability limits for a number of Maritime claims.

  5. International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea (HNS), 1996, which establishes an international liability compensation regime rather than leaving the current regional schemes.

  6. Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co-operation to pollution incidents by Hazardous and Noxious Substances, 2000 (OPRC/HNS Protocol), which ensures that ships carrying hazardous and noxious liquid substances are covered by regimes similar to those already in existence for oil incidents.

  7. International Convention on Salvage, 1989 (SALVAGE 1989), which makes a provision for an (enhanced salvage award taking into account the skills and efforts of the salvors in preventing or minimizing damage to the environment.

  8. Torremolinos Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels 1977 – also includes Torremolinos Protocol of 1993, which provides for the overall safety with regards to regulations for the construction and equipment of fishing vessels.

Other Conventions Ratified by Liberia

Liberia also ratified and submitted the following conventions:

  • 1994 Amendments to the Convention on International Maritime Satellite Organization, 1976 (INMARSAT Amendments 94), which changed the name of the organization to the International Mobile Satellite Organization and changed Article 13 on the composition of the Inmarsat Council.

  • United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) which lays down a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world’s oceans and seas establishing rules governing all uses of the oceans and their resources.

  • The International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention, 2006, which addresses minimum standards for the employment working conditions, repatriation, entitlement, and leave, as well as the standards for onboard working and living accommodation, social protection and welfare of seafarers.

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