The enforcement of flag state control in Malaysia and it's challenges

Abstract

This paper will discuss about the enforcement of flag state control in Malaysia and it challenges. In the introduction chapter, it will explain about the difference between port state control and flag state control. Then, the duties, role, and the implementation of flag state control enforcement is reviewed. The enforcement of flag state control in Malaysia, the challenges faced by the Malaysia flag state authority in the enforcement of FSC and the main ships specifications that mostly failed the FSC inspection are highlighted. The significant of this research is to assist Flag State Control authorities to save their time by selecting ships to be monitored and what to be inspected in the future by FSC regime based on the guideline to that make inspections process would become more efficiently. Additionally this paper also can help the marine community understand about Malaysia Flag State Control enforcement. When inspecting vessels, FSCO should pay attention on those major deficiency items discovered over the past years' data such as ISM related deficiencies, fire safety measures and Safety of navigation, etc. Finally, the empirical data also apparently point out some indications for Malaysia's FSCO to conduct FSC inspection on those ships with the following attributes: (1) Offshore service vessel, (2) ships between 2000-3000 GT, and (3) ships have operated between 11-15 years. Finally, this paper also will be providing some recommendation to Marine department authorities to encounter the challenges faced by the Malaysia Flag State Control officer.