Top three registries aim for IMO status
International Flag-State Association moves forward
The International Flag-State Association (IFA), an association of the world’s three largest registries is seeking consultative status at the International Maritime Organisation in a bid to become more active in international policymaking.
Representing the registries of Liberia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Panama, the IFA has been meeting since 2021 to share information and provide a platform to engage around global challenges, stakeholder insight, and the development and implementation of international instruments to enhance maritime safety, security, the protection of the marine environment, and the welfare of seafarers.
Unlike other maritime sectors, flag States previously lacked a dedicated and formal global platform. IFA aims to fill that gap. For example, in 2024, IFA members enhanced the capabilities of the successful Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC) by improving the paths to information exchange through an integrated online database.
The RISC database is an online tool for consultation among subscribed flag States that allows for easier access to details on problem vessels that may be evading regulations or engaging in suspicious activities.
IFA founding member representatives include Alfonso Castillero, Chief Executive Officer, Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry; Bill Gallagher, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator; and Alexander De Gracia, Deputy Administrator, Panama Maritime Authority.
IFA brings together the world’s most influential flag States, which represent more than 40% of the world’s gross tonnage, to promote higher maritime safety, security, environmental protection, seafarer welfare, and practical, globally harmonised rules and regulations. Shipping is a worldwide industry and maritime regulations must remain global.
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