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IMO releases circular for use of ε-ORB software on Liberian flagged ships

(Posted on 04/07/18)

The IMO, in accordance with the provisions of Article 11 of MARPOL, has circulated details of the Liberian Government’s letter confirming that it has approved the use of Prevention at Sea’s Oil Record Book software, called the ε-ORB, on all Liberian registered vessels as an alternative to the traditional hard copy oil record books under MARPOL Annex 1, regulations 17 (Part I) and 36 (Part II).

The IMO’s circular has gone to parties of the MARPOL convention and member states of the organization for their appropriate action, if any, with the aim to inform Governments worldwide and Port State Control MOUs on the use of ε-ΟRB on board ships.

The Liberian Government’s letter goes onto state that the electronic ORB can be used onboard after the vessel receives a ‘Declaration of MARPOL Electronic Record Book’ issued by the registry.

Currently, Prevention at Sea encourages clients to place a copy of the said IMO Circular on board fleet ready for demonstration with the aim to act as evidence in case clarification is required by Port State Control Authorities and Safety Agencies.

Those vessels using the ε-ORB will have to print from the software the traditional ORB hard copy until amendments to MARPOL Annex I on the use of electronic record books enters into force. This should not be too onerous for seafarers as the ε-ORB software was designed with the aim to help minimise errors and mistakes due to human element as well as assure best ORB recording practices.

“I am delighted that the IMO has released the subject Circular to all parties as this vindicates our determination to develop this software with the aim to minimize errors and mistakes in oil record book entries,” said Petros Achtypis, CEO of Prevention at Sea.

“With the aim to support our clients with strong evidence, I am happy to deliver today the subject circular which proves that our software is recognized worldwide and ensures that ships will not face complications at any port.”