Australia’s senate has criticized the use of flags of convenience (FOCs) as a serious risk to national security.
The Australian border force submission noted that there are features of FOC registration that organised crime syndicates or terrorist groups may seek to exploit.
It highlighted the lack of transparency regarding shipowner identity and insufficient adherence to standards.
The senate report read: “The committee maintains that FOC vessels present serious security risks to the Australian coast, which need to be properly addressed.
“The committee takes the view that, by not agreeing to review the current state of the maritime sector in Australia, the government is failing to address the serious security, economic, human rights and environmental vulnerabilities in the sector.”
Paddy Crumlin, president of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), said: “The Turnbull government has allowed Australian seafarers to be replaced by FOC lawlessness that now threatens our national security.
“The solution is simple - stop destroying and start supporting and growing our domestic shipping industry and the Australian working men and women that work there and in doing so we will help keep our borders safe.”
