The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), under the leadership of Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., has embarked on a significant initiative to elevate Liberia’s standing within the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), the preeminent global body for maritime safety and navigation. This move underscores Liberia’s commitment to enhancing its maritime infrastructure and regulatory framework, solidifying its position as a leading flag state in the international shipping arena. The recent re-election of Francis Zachariae as IALA Secretary-General has provided a timely opportunity for Liberia to advance its pursuit of full membership within the organization, a goal that holds considerable strategic importance for the country’s maritime sector.
Commissioner Lighe’s participation in the IALA Council elections, where Zachariae secured another term, served as a platform to formally convey Liberia’s intention to transition from its current associate membership to full membership. This upgrade would grant Liberia greater influence within IALA, allowing it to actively participate in shaping global standards and best practices for maritime aids to navigation, ultimately contributing to improved safety and efficiency within the global shipping industry. During discussions with Secretary-General Zachariae, the pathway to full membership was clarified: Liberia must first ratify the IALA Convention through its National Legislature and subsequently deposit the instrument of ratification with the French government, the official depository for the convention.
Commissioner Lighe has committed to actively lobbying the Liberian Legislature to expedite the ratification process, aiming to secure full membership ahead of the next IALA General Assembly scheduled for 2027 in India. This proactive approach reflects the importance Liberia places on its engagement with IALA and its dedication to aligning its maritime practices with international standards. Achieving full membership would symbolize Liberia’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety and navigation, further enhancing its credibility within the international shipping community.
Beyond the pursuit of full membership, Commissioner Lighe also emphasized the need for an updated assessment of Liberia’s maritime infrastructure by an IALA mission. The last such assessment was conducted in 2016, and a renewed evaluation would provide valuable insights into the current state of Liberia’s navigational aids and safety systems. This assessment would serve as a crucial benchmark, highlighting areas for improvement and informing the development of targeted programs to enhance domestic navigation safety. By proactively seeking an IALA assessment, Liberia demonstrates its commitment to continuous improvement and its willingness to embrace international best practices.
The request for an IALA assessment mission underscores Liberia’s proactive stance on maritime safety and its recognition of the importance of external expertise in evaluating and strengthening its infrastructure. Such an assessment would provide a comprehensive overview of Liberia’s current capabilities, identify any gaps or deficiencies, and offer recommendations for improvements aligned with IALA standards. This information would be invaluable in guiding Liberia’s efforts to modernize its maritime infrastructure and enhance its overall navigational safety framework.
In conclusion, Liberia’s active engagement with IALA, marked by its pursuit of full membership and request for an assessment mission, signifies a crucial step in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its maritime sector. These initiatives reflect Liberia’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety and navigation, further consolidating its position as a leading flag state and a responsible player in the global shipping industry. The potential for enhanced collaboration with IALA, through full membership, will enable Liberia to actively contribute to international best practices and ultimately ensure safer and more efficient navigation for vessels transiting its waters and under its flag.
