The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has expressed support for the United States Federal Maritime Commission’s (FMC) investigation into vessel flagging laws, particularly focusing on the practice known as ‘Flags of Convenience’ (FOCs). This practice has been criticized for allowing a “race to the bottom” in maritime regulations globally.
David Heindel, President of the Seafarers International Union and Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, stated: “The FMC is absolutely right in its assessment of Flags of Convenience and the permissive environments they create for unscrupulous shipowners and operators. The very existence of the FOC system continues to stain the integrity of the maritime industry.”
Heindel further emphasized that this system enables exploitation by providing weak oversight. He noted, “This system thrives on weak oversight, allowing bad actors to exploit seafarers and shirk responsibility. We strongly support the FMC’s efforts to identify practical steps to introduce greater accountability across the world’s ship registries.”
The ITF has campaigned against FOCs since 1948 due to their role in circumventing labor regulations and enabling unsafe working conditions. The organization regularly updates its list of FOC registries, which now includes 45 countries after adding Guinea Bissau and Tuvalu in 2025.
According to Heindel, “As the ITF knows all too well, it is seafarers who pay the highest price for the egregious practices on FOC vessels. Governments, legitimate flag states, responsible shipowners, and insurers must unite to support the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in ending this shameful system.”
FOC vessels are also linked with broader risks such as facilitating a “dark fleet” that evades sanctions and bypasses safety regulations. These activities pose threats to global supply chains and environmental safety.
Statistics from ITF indicate that over half of abandoned ships were flagged under FOC registries. In 2024 alone, there were 3,133 cases involving 312 vessels. By May 2025, there have already been 158 cases affecting more than 1,500 seafarers.
The FMC’s investigation will assess whether foreign-flagged vessels’ practices violate U.S. maritime law by undermining efficiency and safety in ocean shipping.
Jacqueline Smith, ITF Maritime Coordinator said: “We welcome the FMC’s timely and necessary investigation into how Flags of Convenience impact maritime safety and security – issues the ITF has campaigned on for over 75 years.”
Smith stressed that empowering IMO is crucial: “There is no doubt that the expansion of FOC registries has weakened the IMO’s ability to enforce meaningful change. The IMO must be empowered and supported to lead on restoring integrity in vessel flagging.”
The ITF calls for international enforcement of UNCLOS Article 91 requiring a genuine link between a vessel and its flag state as a measure against FOCs.
