# Flag State

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Shipowners and operators deal with the flag state concept as a fundamental aspect of maritime law: it is the country in which a vessel is registered and whose flag it flies, thereby exercising primary jurisdiction over that ship.

Shipowners and operators deal with the flag state concept as a fundamental aspect of maritime law: it is the country in which a vessel is registered and whose flag it flies, thereby exercising primary jurisdiction over that ship. The flag state issues the certificate of nationality, oversees vessel condition and crew competency, and bears responsibility for compliance with international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and the ISM Code. It collects registration fees and either conducts or authorises the statutory surveys and certifications required under those conventions. The flag state is distinct from the port state, which inspects foreign vessels entering its own ports. A notable feature of international shipping is the widespread use of flags of convenience, where vessels register in a foreign jurisdiction – often Panama, Liberia, or the Marshall Islands – primarily for economic or regulatory reasons.

**Source:** [https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Legal/Pages/FlagStateImplementation.aspx](https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Legal/Pages/FlagStateImplementation.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Flag State |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 139 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Legal/Pages/FlagStateImplementation.aspx |

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