What are the flag state duties under UNCLOS?
Short answer
| UNCLOS Article | Duty |
|---|---|
| 91 | Grant nationality with genuine link; maintain register |
| 92 | Ships sail under one flag; exclusive jurisdiction on high seas |
| 94 | Effective jurisdiction and control in administrative, technical and social matters |
| 94 | Ensure safety at sea: construction, equipment, seaworthiness, manning, labour conditions, training, signals, communications, collision prevention |
| 94 | Periodic surveys by qualified surveyors |
| 94 | Carry appropriate charts, publications, equipment |
| 94 | Qualified master, officers and crew |
| 94 | Inquiry into casualties with loss of life/serious damage |
| 217 | Pollution prevention compliance |
- Nationality: UNCLOS Art 91 — grant nationality, maintain genuine link, maintain register
- Exclusive jurisdiction: UNCLOS Art 92 — one flag, exclusive jurisdiction on high seas
- Core duty: UNCLOS Art 94 — effective jurisdiction and control in administrative, technical and social matters
- International standards: Measures must conform to generally accepted international regulations, procedures and practices
- Safety scope: Construction, equipment, seaworthiness, manning, labour conditions, training, signals, communications, collision prevention
- Survey requirement: Periodic surveys by qualified surveyors before registration and at intervals
- Equipment: Appropriate charts, nautical publications, navigational equipment and instruments
- Crew: Master, officers and crew appropriately qualified and conversant with international regulations
- Casualty inquiry: Mandatory inquiry for casualties causing loss of life or serious damage to ship or environment
- Pollution prevention: UNCLOS Part XII Art 217 — adopt laws and ensure compliance with international pollution prevention rules
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.