Registration and Certification

Boost your knowledge of flag state regulation, obligations, delivery and competitive issues plus the commercial rationale behind ship registration decisions

Ship Registration is the method of establishing the identity of a ship, its nationality, ownership, and compliance with internationally established standards of construction and operation. The legal criteria for these standards have evolved over time as ships and shipping commerce have evolved and generally as a result of lessons learned from shipping accidents. The standards are contained in International Conventions of the United Nations and its subsidiary body the International Maritime Organization. Ships that trade in international waters are required to be registered to a nation that is a member of the United Nations and has adopted the international shipping conventions into its national laws. The nation, or Flag State, is required to administer a register of the ships on its flag and establish the identity of each ship both physically and in the electro-magnetic spectrum, the ship's owners, operational managers, and crew managers. It is also required to ensure its safety which includes its construction, equipment, and seaworthiness every aspect of its crew, including certification, training and qualifications and the correct operation of the ship. The Flag State must also ensure that the ship is properly equipped and surveyed while it is on the flag and must also investigate any accidents or mal-operation. The International Conventions are the minimum standards that the Flag State can apply, and they are at liberty to require higher standards should it wish. There are benefits in operating a national shipping register and significant risks as well; it is also a crowded and competitive market and it should be noted that the many of the larger Flag States are small nations with relatively small populations, little industry and specialize in offering offshore services to multi-national corporations. Such countries are known as Open Registers or Flags of Convenience. A key aspect of maintaining maritime safety and preventing environmental pollution from shipping is for Flag States to operate their shipping registers responsibly and identify the beneficial owners to ensure they are accountable for their ships.