Behind the Flag: How Flag States Shape Crew Welfare, Safety & Accountability
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Flag states are more than a name on the stern, they determine who protects crew, who investigates incidents, and how safety and welfare are enforced at sea.
In this episode of Forward Watch, Karine Rayson is joined by Captain Chris O’Flaherty, IMO Delegate and Senior Technical Adviser at The Nautical Institute, for a rare, inside look at how flag states actually operate — and why choosing the wrong one can have serious consequences for both owners and crew.
Drawing on 37 years as a Royal Navy captain and his current role representing seafarers at the International Maritime Organization, Chris explains how legal jurisdiction works under UNCLOS, how Port State Control exposes poor-performing flags, and what flag states will, and will not, investigate when serious incidents occur onboard.
The conversation also explores upcoming STCW amendments, including mandatory sexual harassment prevention and trauma-informed response training, and why global mental health awareness training for seafarers may still take until 2030 to become law.
This episode is essential listening for yacht crew, captains, managers, owners, and anyone who wants to understand where responsibility, leadership, and accountability truly sit in the maritime industry.
Key topics covered:
- What a flag state is and why it holds legal authority over vessels
- Quality flags vs open registries (flags of convenience)
- How Port State Control and IMO audits expose systemic failures
- Flag state responsibility in crew welfare, safety, and investigations
- What happens when incidents involve mental health, harassment, or death
- Why leadership onboard is inseparable from safety and wellbeing
What’s changing in STCW — and why reform moves slowly
Forward Watch delivers clear, experience-driven insight into the regulatory forces shaping maritime operations — without spin, and without shortcuts.