Tag: Flag States

The ITF urged flag states to take responsibility and account for the health and wellbeing of all crew and passengers onboard their vessels, amid the humanitarian crisis brought by COVID-19 pandemic. 

During its 31st session on 25 November to 4 December 2019, the IMO Assembly adopted, among others, a resolution addressing fraudulent ship registration. The IMO recently put under the microscope over 300 ships involved in fraudulent vessel registrations. 

The IMO has recently put under the microscope over 300 ships involved in fraudulent vessel registrations operating without the knowledge of governments they claim to represent, according to data provided by the Standard P&I Club.

Amid an ongoing diplomatic tension globally, Panama said it will withdraw its flag from vessels that violate sanctions and international legislation, the Panama Maritime Authority told Reuters. This comes following removal of about 60 ships linked to Iran and Syria from the Panamanian registry in recent months. 

As Reuters reports, many are the shipping companies leaving Britain's shipping registry in light of the uncertain feeling of Britain's departure from the European Union and future commercial relations. The departures could also disrupt any plans the British Government has to secure additional space on ships to help cope with potential trade disruption, under the possibility of a no-deal Brexit.

The Paris MoU Committee approved the 2018 inspection results and adopted new performance lists for flags and Recognized Organizations. These lists will apply from 1 July 2019. The list is based on the total number of inspections and detentions over a 3-year rolling period for flags with at least 30 inspections in that period. 

The Isle of Man Ship Registry issued its annual report, presenting data provided by the Registry's Port State Control (PSC) activity throughout 2018. The report noted a total of nine detentions of Isle of Man vessels during 2018. Less than a third of vessel inspections resulted in reported deficiencies.

IMO agreed to re-approach its listing process regarding the STCW Convention’s White List. As the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) informed, this development came as the drawing up of the list of countries for delisting from the STCW Convention ‘White List’ did not follow due process.

The UK Chamber applauds UK Ship Register's (UKSR) changes, according to which owners from a broader group of countries will be able to register their vessels in the UK. UKSR announced its decision on expanding its ownership eligibility, enabling more shipping companies from around the globe to flag to the UK.

IMO's HTW 6 Sub-committee on 29 April-3 May considered matters relating to the list of STCW Parties (White List) and its review. The Sub-committee found that the white list of top-rated flag states would be decimated if requirements to report information were strictly enforced.