Flags of Convenience:
The ITF opposes the flags of convenience (FOC) system and believes that there should be a genuine link between the flag a vessel flies and the place where it
is beneficially owned and controlled. As a general rule, FOC registers fail to enforce minimum social standards and/or trade union rights for seafarers and have demonstrated both an unwillingness and an inability
to abide by international standards. Such standards include international safety standards, international maritime labour standards and human and trade union rights. As a consequence there is a lack of social control over vessels on such registers as exercised by democratic and independent trade unions.
You can find the entire ITF policy on FoCs, known as the Mexico City Policy, here.
You can find an ITF video on our FoC campaign here.
The ITF in Canada 