Flags that provide a veil of secrecy

© Khunaspix Dreamstime.

A viewpoint from union leader Steve Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers Federation, on how flags of convenience system undermine seafarers’ rights and welfare. And a well-argued piece it is, although sure to draw opprobrium from shipowner organisations. He makes some good points that many shipowmers, whose membership fees support these lobbying organisations, ought to be aware of. “Flags of convenience provide a veil of secrecy: complete commercial anonymity… They also impose a huge competitive burden on all those who want to run decent and responsible ships.”