ADA LEGAL FRAMEWORK FORTHE HIGH SEAS-15-16 - Ivanna Castro

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According to the International Chamber of Shipping’s (ICS) Flag State Performance Table (2022/23), 
the UK Flags position as one of the world’s top performers in maritime safety. The table recognises 
the flag states which perform to a consistently high standard, benchmarking them across numerous 
categories, with the UK achieving positive markers across all 19 of the performance indicators. 
The UK Flag is fifth for international Port State Control on the Paris MoU White List of top-
performing flags. Flying the UK’s Flag State is an assurance to UK-flagged ship owners of its 
reputation as a leading flag for maritime safety, seafarer welfare, and protection of the environment. 
In 2018, the UK Government set out its Maritime 2050 strategy and high-level vision for the 
maritime sector. The Maritime 2050 strategy provides a framework for stakeholders across the 
breadth of UK maritime activity. The UK’s aim is to be the best performing flag, port and coastal 
State in the world. 
UK Flag Advantages and benefits 
UK registered ships are not targeted by Port State Control regimes in the world's major trading areas. 
Therefore, being registered under the UK Flag will also bring the following benefits: 
• Qualship 21 status: US QUALSHIP 21 is one of the world's highest standards. It was 
implemented by the US Coastguard (USCG) in 2001 as a way to recognise and reward high-
quality flag administrations and vessel owners for their commitment to safety and quality 
and provide incentives to encourage quality operations. The UK Ship Register has 
maintained its US QUALSHIP 21 status for the 12th consecutive year - one of only six flag 
administrations to achieve this consistency. UK-flagged ships benefit from QUALSHIP 21 
status, gaining significant competitive advantage when trading with the US. The vessels 
and operations are subject to fewer port state control inspections when in US waters, 
lowering the likelihood of delays and increasing returns. 
• Tokyo MOU list status: The Tokyo MOU is one of the most active regional port State 
control (PSC) organizations in the world. The organization consists of 21 member 
Authorities in the Asia-Pacific region. The main objective of the Tokyo MOU is to establish 
an effective port State control regime in the Asia-Pacific region through cooperation of its 
members and harmonization of their activities, to eliminate substandard shipping so as to 
promote maritime safety, to protect the marine environment and to safeguard working 
and living conditions on board ships. 
• Paris MOU whitelist status: The Paris MoU on PSC is an administrative agreement 
between twenty-seven Maritime Authorities. Its mission is to eliminate the operation of 
sub-standard ships through a harmonized system of port State control. Annually more 
than 17.000 inspections take place on board foreign ships in the Paris MoU ports, ensuring 
that these ships meet international safety, security, and environmental standards, and 
that crew members have adequate living and working conditions. The “White, Grey and 
Black (WGB) list” presents the full spectrum, from quality flags to flags with a poor 
performance that are considered high or very high risk. 
• Compliance with globally recognised standards. 
In terms of fees and taxes, there is the flexibility of pay-as-you-go or pre-packaged fees, offering 
predictable business planning for shipping companies, with no hidden annual taxes. 
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• One of lowest registration fees for an International Register 
• Access to highly competitive UK Tonnage Tax scheme 
• Average annual commercial fees under £5000 
• No Flag Taxes 
• Favourable port fees with China 
• Access to SmaRT (plus) funding for UK cadet training 
Benefits in terms of UK Ship Register Seafarer Services 
• World Class seafarer training 
• Certificates of Competency accepted from 52 other maritime administrations 
• World leading seafarer welfare research and advice 
• No requirement to employ UK Seafarers 
The UK Ship Register also offers the following benefits: 
• Fully digital ship registration 
• 24/7 Registration support 
• International Surveys 
• 24/7 Technical support 
• E- Certification as standard 
• International policy consultation 
• Seafarer Training & Certification 
• Seafarer Welfare Guidance 
• Access to UK Government Maritime Security Team 
• International diplomacy support 
• International representation at IMO 
• Crisis response & support 
• Offices in the UK & Greece 
Conclusion: Overall, the UK appears to be a strong potential flag state based on the benefits listed 
above. They are one of the best-performing flag registries, has a proud record as one of the best-
performing flags in the major Port State Control regimes, and have a reputation for maintaining the 
highest international standards. They have a good track record in terms of safety and environmental 
compliance, world-class surveyors, the ability to make world-class regulations, and world-class 
oversight of recognised organisations.