Flags of Convenience Vessels: Recent Developments

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Abstract
The phenomenon to which the expression “flags of convenience” is applied dates back to the end of the First World War when certain nontraditional maritime countries, especially Panama, Liberia, and Honduras, started to register foreign-owned vessels under their flags for economic reasons and exercised minimal control over the activities and operations of these vessels. This practice aroused considerable controversy and opposition. The seafarers’ unions were concerned about the low standards alleged to prevail on these vessels and about the loss of job opportunities for seamen from traditional maritime countries. The shipowners from certain European countries, supported by their governments, saw the practice as one that generated serious competition against them, especially because of the virtual tax-free concessions accorded to the owners of flags of convenience vessels.

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