Direito internacional do mar: a liberdade em alto mar e as bandeiras de conveniência

Abstract

The flags of convenience subvert the rules for protecting the marine environment established by the United Nations Convention on the High Sea (Montego Bay, 1982). Inlight of International Law, it is the registration of vessels along the states that have little or no control over them, with the aim of financial gain. This practice represents now about two thirds of the tonnage transiting in the seas, favoring impunity improperly made by such vessels, such as piracy, trafficking of human beings, arms and drugs and exploitation of the workers on board. Its effects are particularly severe on the high seas, where almost unfettered freedoms prevail. The flags of convenience seem like sound barrier in the quest for development of a secure maritime environment. It is imperative, therefore, to outline the main consequences of this system and find ways to stop it. This will involve analyzing the development of international conventions, doctrine and jurisprudence on the subject.