Article
Maritime governance and policy making
The nature of Maritime Policy and the role of public affairs on the governance of maritime matters are popular topics in the field. Theories and perspectives on maritime policy are dynamic and they are revised by the ever-changing environment of maritime industry and the globalisation factor. Through the maritime policy debate, the function of national and international organisations is not well suited under the inconsistency of flag state and the ruler (public power for ensuring safety, security, environmental protection, among others) (i.e. market vs hierarchy). Therefore, the flag-out phenomenon has dramatically separated the Flags of Convenience (FOCs) and the conventional flag state governance. The emergence of FOCs has brought us a new kind of flag state management with a professional business-like manner.