Get yourself a
Man Flag
Katherine Ellis, Head of Yachts and Aviation
Services, Equiom Trust Company Limited
explains why so many superyacht owners pick
the Isle of Man as their Flag State.
Quality at Sea
Port State Control record of the flag in question.
Travel along the Mediterranean coast, or visit any large
Port States typically use “flag” as a factor for
yacht marina and what is the predominant colour you
targeting ships for inspection; they maintain ship
will see?
detention records and publish lists of the best and
Blue sky? Azure sea? White sails? no, the
worst performing flags. The choice of register will
predominant colour is red – the British Red Ensign,
determine how the vessel is treated by the authorities
flying on the stern of the superyachts berthed in the
in the ports which it visits, particularly Customs and
marina or out at sea.
Excise. Should an owner choose a flag which is on
Britain is no longer a major ship builder, so why
the black or grey list of a Port State on grounds of
are so many superyachts flying the Red Ensign and,
economy, it is very likely to be boarded and subjected
in particular, the Isle of Man flag with its distinctive
to rigorous inspection. Should anything untoward be
three legs motif? It comes down to the reputation
found it is probable that the vessel’s owner will be
and reliability of the Flag State. An owner can choose
fined, and in the worst case, arrested.
to fly the flag of his own country, or the flag of any
Clearly, selecting a reputable register is a
“open registry”. Although choice may be made purely
fundamental decision an owner or operator must make
on economic grounds, that may not be a wise choice;
when buying a superyacht.
indeed it may be very unwise, as you will see later!
Apart from the international reputation of the flag,
A primary responsibility of a Flag State is the
there are other factors which will determine the choice
enforcement of international convention standards
of register:
on the ships that it has registered. The role of
the Flag State is increasing to include a registry’s
• Is the jurisdiction stable?
responsibilities and duties in terms of verifying the
• How easy is it to register?
e
safety of navigation, safety of ships, protection of
• How secure are the mortgages registered in the Flag
A
WHYT
ici marine environment and limitation of air pollution,
State?
:
P
A
TR
reinforcement of security, and seafarers’ welfare,
• How competitive and flexible are the fees?
O
M
training and qualification.
• How flexible is the registry in its manning
T
O
.c
PHO
As well as considering such factors as
requirements?
administrative and diplomatic support, port and cargo
• What is the business infrastructure of the Flag State?
i
S
T
O
ck
preference schemes and fiscal matters, in choosing a
• What are the arrangements under which the vessel
G
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i
MA
flag, owners and operators need also to consider the
will be owned?
DeCeMbeR 2008 YACHTWORLD.COM 17
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