THE Marshall Islands Registry's commitment to quality and safety has been recognised by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) through its Qualship 21 programme. This marks the seventh consecutive year that the Marshall Islands Registry has qualified for this listing status, a statement said.
Qualship 21 designation enables vessel owners/operators of Marshall Islands flagged ships to apply to the USCG for a Qualship 21 certificate. The Qualship 21 initiative provides positive rewards to high-quality ships from qualifying registries. These rewards range from a two-year limited port state control oversight for container ships to a possible reduction of scope for annual/mid-period exams for tank ships that have applied for and received Qualship 21 certification. Nearly 18 per cent of the ships on the USCG's Qualship 21 vessel list are Marshall Islands flagged vessels.
"While a few major open registries have been recognised on the Qualship 21 list, the Marshall Islands is the only major open registry to maintain its status on this list for seven consecutive qualifying years. This is testimony to the quality owners/operators who have registered vessels under the Marshall Islands flag and the Registry's commitment to safety, security and environmental protection," said Bill Gallagher, president of International Registries Inc (IRI), which through its affiliates administers the maritime and corporate programmes of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The Marshall Islands Registry is said to be the third largest and fastest growing registry in the world with 71.5 million gross tons and more than 2,400 vessels.