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Liberian Registry reveals new VP for port state control

The Liberian Registry has appointed former US Coast Guard (USCG) Commander Norm Witt to oversee port state control related affairs.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

August 1, 2024

1 Min Read
LIBERIA VP PORT STATE CONTROL)
Photo: Liberian Register

Commander Witt will take up the role of Vice President of Port State Control Affairs with the world’s largest ship registry.

He will be responsible for coordinating and building professional relationships with various PSC (Port State Control) entities including the United States Coast Guard to better support the Registry’s clients and will assist shipowners and operators through inspections or other obstacles they may face.   

“I’m excited to be in a position where I can leverage my previous Coast Guard experience in helping clients achieve high levels of regulatory compliance, which in turn minimises shipping delays and enhances overall safety. Improving our safety performance on a continuous basis is a priority for everyone,” said Commander Witt.

He has over 23 years experience with the USCG and as Captain of the Port in Savannah, Georgia led the response to capsizing of the car carrier Golden Ray coordinating an operation that involved 500 personnel and 70 vessels.

“In addition to his knowledge on PSC matters, Norm brings valuable international relations experience to the Registry as he had tours in Liberia and Fiji Islands as a USCG officer, as well as commercial experience in the offshore wind industry. We are excited to have him join the team, and his knowledge will be an asset in our growth and operations,” stated Alfonso Castillero, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry.

Related:Liberian Registry creates innovation and energy transition team

About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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