Answer
Under UNCLOS Article 94 (Duties of the Flag State) and applicable international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC 2006, ISM/ISPS Codes), the Flag State must effectively exercise its jurisdiction and control over administrative, technical, and social matters over ships flying its flag:
- Jurisdiction & Registry Maintenance: Maintain a national register of ships, including ownership, technical details, and legal documentation.
- Survey & Certification: Ensure ships are surveyed by qualified surveyors or authorized Recognized Organizations (ROs, such as IRS, DNV, ClassNK) to ensure structural integrity, machinery condition, and safety gear comply with international codes.
- Manning & Competency (STCW Standards): Set Minimum Safe Manning standards and ensure officers/crew hold valid Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Endorsements.
- Safety, Marine Environment & Security Enforcement: Enforce SOLAS, MARPOL, load line regulations, and security protocols to ensure seaworthiness and marine environment protection.
- Casualty Investigation: Conduct formal investigations into major marine casualties or pollution incidents involving its flagged vessels and report findings to the IMO.
- Seafarer Welfare & Labor Conditions: Enforce compliance with MLC 2006 regarding working hours, living conditions, medical care, and wages on board.