MICHAEL ROE Maritime Governance and Policy Making Springer-Verlag, London, 2013 (First edition), pp. 442

Abstract

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. In the last few decades, the function of flag states has almost changed and maritime industry welcomed the new style with the rise of globalisation. There are a number of lessons learnt from the FOC experience: First, the public affairs and private industry cannot be easily synchronised since maritime industry is mostly an offshore business; second, public affairs have limited power on ruling maritime industry unless it is agreed by an international organisation (e.g. IMO)(usually, but not always); and finally, maritime business entities are more of a homoeconomicus rather than flag-waver. Therefore, public institutions are expected to focus on practicality of legislation more than the content of