International implications concerning the legal regime and policy of ship registration

The legal concept of the nationality and registration of ships has been controversial throughout its existence. This ambiguous legal situation in the maritime realm appears to prevail even in nowadays. Furthermore, open registration regime has been criticized based on numerous important issues such as the legislative framework, safety, security, and employment. On the other hand, close registries, which implement stringent regulations concerning ownership, manning, management and administration and involve a genuine connection by virtue of national, economical and social ties among the ship-owner and its State, generally are considered effective. In light of these considerations, the authors will discuss the ship’s nationality and registration from the legal perspective as well as the possible safety implications that close and open registries may cause, which in turn could contribute towards substandard shipping. The authors argue that there are legal issues currently vis-a-vis ship’s registration and nationality, and that several open and close registry States are being efficient in legal and safety aspects while other States have shown deficiencies in this respect