Flags of Convenience for Shipowners

Interesting article in the NY Times about a method of ship registration called "flags of convenience," and how ship owners get away with criminal behavior. It talks about how this registry came about and what should be done. The NY Times article states:

"Many state registries lack the capacity or will to monitor the safety and working conditions on ships, or to investigate accidents. Instead, ship safety certificates are given out by private classification societies. Owners are allowed to choose which society they want - and the worst predictably choose the least demanding. This self-policing has been compared to registering a car in Bali so you can drive it in Australia with faulty"

To read more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/25/opinion/25george.html?_r=1&emc=eta1