Liberia Launches Inspection Campaign on Fire Safety and Lifesaving Gear
The Liberia Maritime Authority, which runs the world’s largest ship register, has launched a concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) on fire safety, life-saving appliances and crew emergency preparedness on Liberian-flagged ships worldwide. The details are set out in Marine Advisory 25/2026, dated 4 November 2026.
Under the campaign, the Master and Chief Engineer must complete a 26-item self-assessment questionnaire before any Liberian flag State inspection. This covers annual, biannual, quarterly and special safety inspections, ISM, ISPS and MLC audits, and hazardous-material inspections. A copy is given to the inspector before the inspection starts, and both officers sign a declaration. Each item is marked Yes, No or N/A, and every “No” must be recorded as a deficiency with immediate corrective action.
From the CrewMirror Blog
The checklist covers the emergency fire pump and hydrants, fire detection, fire doors and ventilation closures, machinery-space fire hazards, lifeboat release gear, liferafts, immersion suits, emergency drills, the safety management system and oily water separators. Inspectors will combine document reviews with physical checks, operational tests and questions on whether crew know their emergency duties.
No operational tests are to be carried out during cargo work, bunkering or passenger operations. Where serious fire-protection or abandonment deficiencies are found, unsafe testing must stop and the company and the Registry must be informed. Ships may face wider inspections, operating restrictions or detention, and findings will be recorded under CIC deficiency code 7130.
CrewMirror Takeaway
Crews on Liberian-flagged ships can expect hands-on testing of fire pumps, lifeboat release gear and their own drill knowledge during this campaign. Realistic, regular drills and well-maintained emergency equipment remain the best preparation, both for inspections and for real emergencies.
