Resources of marine environment are suffering from over-exploitation by Flags of
Convenience vessels; which refer to vessels registered in foreign countries known as Open
Registry countries. These countries usually do not fulfill the obligations in
cumbent upon
them as flag states towards the vessels flying their flags, in an attempt to attract more
registries. They, inter alia, adopt loose enforcement measures against illegal activities by
their vessels, and do not monitor the working conditions on board those vessels.
This situation is of a bad effect on both marine environment and worker’s rights on
board flag of convenience vessels. Therefore, it is important to cast light on the
mechanisms included in the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention 1982 regarding
this problem, and to assess their effectiveness.
