Liberia Flag Marine Operations Note 06/2026
On 30 September 2026, the Liberian Administration issued Marine Operations Note 06/2026, titled Pre-Arrival Deficiency Checklist for Vessels Arriving to Australia, China, Europe and USA.
The Note supersedes Marine Operations Note 04/2025 and establishes a pre-arrival deficiency reporting requirement for applicable Liberian-flag vessels.
The purpose of the requirement is to improve vessel preparation before Port State Control (PSC) inspections following an increase in detentions in the specified regions.
Masters and Chief Engineers are required to complete and sign the RLM-258 Pre-Arrival Deficiency Checklist and submit it together with the applicable Notice of Arrival (NOA) information to the Liberian Administration before arrival.
Vessels and Port Areas Covered by the Requirement
The requirement applies to Liberian-flag vessels entering ports in the following areas:
Australia
Liberian-flag vessels arriving at applicable Australian ports are required to complete the prescribed pre-arrival deficiency reporting process.
China
The RLM-258 process applies to applicable Liberian vessels arriving at Chinese ports.
Europe
Liberian-flag vessels arriving at ports in Europe are included within the scope of the requirement.
United States
Applicable Liberian vessels entering United States ports are also required to comply with the pre-arrival checklist process.
96-Hour Pre-Arrival Submission Requirement
The central requirement of Marine Operations Note 06/2026 is the submission of the required pre-arrival information 96 hours prior to entering territorial waters.
The vessel is required to submit a copy of the Notice of Arrival (NOA) submitted to the relevant PSC authority together with the completed RLM-258 Pre-Arrival Deficiency Checklist.
The submission is made to the Liberian Administration at [email protected].
Notice of Arrival
A copy of the NOA submitted to the applicable PSC authority must be provided to the Liberian Administration as part of the pre-arrival process.
RLM-258 Checklist
The latest applicable RLM-258 form must be completed and signed by the Master and Chief Engineer.
96-Hour Timing
The NOA and RLM-258 submission is required 96 hours prior to entering the vessel's applicable territorial waters.
Administration Submission
The required documents are submitted to the Liberian Administration at [email protected].
Master and Chief Engineer Responsibilities
Marine Operations Note 06/2026 places a direct responsibility on the Master and Chief Engineer to review the vessel's condition and complete the RLM-258 accurately before arrival.
The checklist should therefore be treated as a technical pre-arrival verification process rather than simply an administrative form.
Areas Requiring Verification
- Open machinery and technical defects
- Safety equipment deficiencies
- Navigation-related deficiencies
- Cargo and operational deficiencies
- Pollution-prevention equipment and arrangements
- Active dispensations
- Conditions of Class
- Statutory deficiencies and outstanding corrective actions
- Previously identified non-conformities
- Deficiencies that could affect PSC inspection results
RLM-258 and the Safety Management System
Marine Operations Note 06/2026 specifically requires the RLM-258 form to be included as part of the vessel's SMS. This requirement is important because it connects the pre-arrival checklist directly with the vessel's ISM-based safety management processes.
The RLM-258 should therefore be supported by the vessel's existing procedures for defect reporting, non-conformity identification, corrective action, technical management, maintenance, and operational readiness.
During an ISM or Flag State verification, the vessel should be able to demonstrate that the information declared through the pre-arrival process is consistent with the actual condition of the vessel and the supporting SMS records.
SMS Procedure
The vessel's SMS should establish how the pre-arrival deficiency review and RLM-258 process are carried out.
Deficiency Identification
Defects and non-conformities should be identified and documented before the RLM-258 is completed.
Corrective Action
Appropriate corrective action should be initiated and documented for identified deficiencies.
Objective Evidence
Records should demonstrate that the declared condition of the vessel is supported by actual technical evidence.
Defects, Dispensations and Conditions of Class
Masters and Chief Engineers are specifically reminded to document actions concerning defects, active dispensations, and Conditions of Class before arrival at the relevant port.
These matters should be properly assessed and reported to the applicable Port State authority where required before the vessel enters port.
A vessel should not rely on the assumption that an existing deficiency is acceptable simply because it has previously been identified by the Company, Class, or another inspection body. The applicable reporting, notification, and corrective-action requirements must still be followed.
Technical Documentation Should Demonstrate
- What deficiency or condition was identified
- When it was identified
- How the condition was assessed
- Whether Class or the Administration was involved
- Whether a dispensation or Condition of Class exists
- What corrective action was initiated
- Whether the relevant authority was notified
- What evidence supports the current status
Consecutive Port Calls Within the Same Country
Marine Operations Note 06/2026 provides a practical arrangement for vessels making consecutive port calls within the same country.
In such circumstances, the RLM-258 only needs to be submitted before the first port.
However, an updated RLM-258 must be submitted if the condition of the vessel changes during the consecutive port calls or if the vessel subsequently calls at a port in another area where the RLM-258 requirement applies.
First Port
Submit the applicable RLM-258 before the first port when making consecutive calls within the same country.
Condition Changes
Submit an updated RLM-258 when the condition of the vessel changes during consecutive port calls.
New Area
A new checklist is required when the vessel calls at a port in another area where the RLM-258 requirement applies.
Continuous Monitoring
The vessel's condition should continue to be monitored throughout the voyage and port sequence.
Consequences of Missing or Incorrect Information
The Liberian Administration has made clear that failure to submit the required NOA information or providing incorrect information on the RLM-258 can result in additional action if the vessel is subsequently detained by PSC.
Potential actions identified in Marine Operations Note 06/2026 include:
- Warning letters to crew members
- Suspension of the Master's Liberian credentials
- Cancellation of the Master's Liberian credentials
- Suspension of the Chief Engineer's Liberian credentials
- Cancellation of the Chief Engineer's Liberian credentials
- Additional audit of the vessel's SMS
- Additional audit of the Company's SMS
The accuracy of the RLM-258 is therefore important. The checklist should reflect the vessel's actual technical and operational condition at the time of submission.
Pre-Arrival PSC Readiness Verification
The RLM-258 process should be integrated into the vessel's normal PSC preparation rather than treated as a separate administrative exercise.
A structured technical review before submission can help identify deficiencies that may otherwise become PSC observations, deficiencies, or detention-related findings.
Certificates
Review statutory and Class certificates, expiry dates, endorsements, conditions, exemptions, and outstanding requirements.
Machinery
Review machinery condition, alarms, safety devices, emergency equipment, defects, PMS status, and outstanding repairs.
Navigation
Verify navigation equipment, records, publications, charts, bridge procedures, alarms, and relevant operational requirements.
Safety Equipment
Review lifesaving appliances, firefighting equipment, emergency arrangements, drills, records, and deficiencies.
Pollution Prevention
Verify pollution-prevention equipment, records, procedures, alarms, operational readiness, and relevant documentation.
Corrective Actions
Review open deficiencies, non-conformities, corrective actions, Conditions of Class, dispensations, and evidence of closure.
ISM Code and SOLAS Chapter IX Connection
Marine Operations Note 06/2026 should not be interpreted as a new amendment to the ISM Code itself. It is a Liberian Flag Administration requirement that integrates pre-arrival PSC deficiency verification into the vessel's SMS and compliance processes.
SOLAS Chapter IX makes the International Safety Management (ISM) Code mandatory for applicable ships. The ISM framework requires the Company to establish and maintain a documented Safety Management System that supports safe operation, pollution prevention, reporting, corrective action, emergency preparedness, and continual improvement.
The RLM-258 process therefore provides an important practical connection between PSC readiness, defect reporting, corrective action, SMS implementation, and Flag State verification.
SOLAS Chapter IX
Provides the international statutory framework making the ISM Code mandatory for applicable ships.
ISM Code
Establishes the requirements for an effective Safety Management System and safe management of ship operations.
Liberia Flag Requirement
Marine Operations Note 06/2026 establishes the specific RLM-258 pre-arrival deficiency reporting process for applicable Liberian vessels.
PSC Readiness
The practical objective is to identify deficiencies and corrective actions before the vessel reaches the applicable port.
What Shipowners, Operators and DPAs Should Verify
Companies responsible for Liberian-flag vessels should ensure that the RLM-258 requirement is properly incorporated into their pre-arrival and SMS processes.
Company-Level Verification
- Confirm that the latest RLM-258 is incorporated into the SMS
- Define responsibility for completion and submission
- Ensure Masters and Chief Engineers understand the requirement
- Establish a documented 96-hour pre-arrival review process
- Verify that technical defects are properly recorded
- Verify that Conditions of Class and dispensations are identified
- Review outstanding corrective actions before submission
- Ensure the information provided is consistent with onboard records
- Maintain evidence of NOA and RLM-258 submission
- Include the process within internal SMS audit and verification activities
Technical Importance of Accurate Pre-Arrival Reporting
The effectiveness of the RLM-258 requirement depends on the accuracy of the information submitted to the Administration. A checklist should not be completed simply to satisfy a documentation requirement.
The vessel's technical condition, maintenance records, Class status, statutory certification, defect reports, corrective actions, dispensations, and SMS documentation should support the information declared.
From a technical compliance perspective, the strongest approach is to establish a clear evidence trail from the identified condition through assessment, reporting, corrective action, and verification.
Identify
Identify defects, deficiencies, non-conformities, dispensations, and Conditions of Class before arrival.
Assess
Assess the technical and operational significance of each identified condition.
Report
Complete the applicable documentation and make the required notifications to the relevant authorities.
Correct
Initiate and document corrective action and maintain objective evidence of the vessel's compliance status.
Practical PSC Preparation for Liberian-Flag Vessels
The RLM-258 requirement provides an additional reason for shipowners and technical managers to conduct a structured PSC-readiness review before the vessel reaches an applicable port.
Effective preparation should combine the physical condition of the vessel with the documentary evidence supporting compliance.
- Review previous PSC deficiencies and detention-related findings
- Review Class conditions and recommendations
- Review statutory certificates and endorsements
- Verify machinery and safety equipment readiness
- Verify navigation and operational records
- Review pollution-prevention arrangements
- Verify emergency preparedness and drill records
- Review outstanding SMS non-conformities
- Confirm corrective actions and supporting evidence
- Complete the RLM-258 accurately before the required submission deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Liberia Marine Operations Note 06/2026?
Marine Operations Note 06/2026 is a Liberian Administration requirement concerning the pre-arrival deficiency checklist for applicable Liberian-flag vessels arriving at ports in Australia, China, Europe, and the United States. It requires the applicable NOA information and RLM-258 checklist to be submitted 96 hours before entering territorial waters.
What is RLM-258?
RLM-258 is the Liberian Administration's Pre-Arrival Deficiency Checklist. The form is completed and signed by the Master and Chief Engineer and submitted as part of the required pre-arrival process.
When must the RLM-258 be submitted?
The applicable RLM-258 and copy of the Notice of Arrival must be submitted to the Liberian Administration 96 hours prior to entering the vessel's applicable territorial waters.
Who must complete and sign the RLM-258?
The Master and Chief Engineer are required to complete and sign the RLM-258 Pre-Arrival Deficiency Checklist.
Where is the RLM-258 submitted?
The applicable RLM-258 is submitted together with the required Notice of Arrival information to the Liberian Administration at [email protected].
Must RLM-258 be included in the vessel's SMS?
Yes. Marine Operations Note 06/2026 states that the RLM-258 form shall be included as part of the vessel's Safety Management System and may be verified by Flag State inspectors.
What information should Masters and Chief Engineers document?
Masters and Chief Engineers should document actions concerning defects, active dispensations, Conditions of Class, identified non-conformities, and corrective actions. The vessel should also comply with applicable requirements for reporting relevant conditions to the Port State before arrival.
Is a new RLM-258 required for every consecutive port call?
Not necessarily. For consecutive port calls within the same country, the RLM-258 only needs to be submitted before the first port. However, an updated RLM-258 is required if the condition of the vessel changes or if the vessel subsequently calls at a port in another area where the requirement applies.
What can happen if the RLM-258 contains incorrect information?
If incorrect information is provided, or the required NOA is not submitted, and the vessel is subsequently detained by PSC, the Liberian Administration may take additional action. The measures identified in Marine Operations Note 06/2026 include warnings, possible suspension or cancellation of Liberian credentials, and additional audits of the vessel or Company SMS.
Is RLM-258 itself an amendment to the ISM Code?
No. RLM-258 is a Liberia Flag Administration requirement. Its inclusion within the vessel's SMS connects the pre-arrival deficiency process with the vessel's ISM-based safety management and compliance procedures.
Why is the RLM-258 process important for PSC readiness?
The process requires the vessel to identify and document deficiencies before arrival, review corrective actions, and provide accurate information to the Liberian Administration. Proper preparation can help identify potential PSC deficiencies before the vessel reaches port.
Can PAMS support Liberian vessels with PSC readiness and ISM audits?
Yes. PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent marine surveying, technical consultancy, regulatory compliance support, ISM, ISPS and MLC 2006 internal audit support, PSC readiness assessments, and technical inspection services for shipowners, operators, and technical managers.
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services is an independent marine technical consultancy specializing in marine surveying, marine technical consultancy, offshore engineering consultancy, FPSO engineering support, marine audits, technical inspections, and regulatory compliance.
Technical compliance services include ISM, ISPS and MLC 2006 internal audit support, Port State Control readiness, vessel condition assessments, statutory and class survey preparation, technical equipment inspections, and regulatory compliance verification.
Based in Manila, Philippines — operating as an independent technical consultancy.
Download LISCR Marine Operations Note 06/2026
Review the Liberia Maritime Administration Inspection Note and Pre-Arrival Compliance Checklist requirements for vessels arriving at ports in Australia, China, Europe and the USA.
Download Marine Operations Note 06/2026 & Pre-Arrival Compliance Checklist