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.
