Technical & maintenance
What is a flag state?
The flag state is the country where a yacht is registered, whose laws and administration govern the yacht’s safety, crew certification and inspections.
Popular yacht flags include the Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands, Malta, the UK and the Isle of Man. The flag decides which yacht code applies, which crew certificates are accepted, and which surveys and documents the yacht needs.
Changing flag is possible but involves new surveys, certificates and paperwork, so owners usually choose the flag with their management company early on.
Related terms
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