According to local media reports in St. Lucia, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (hereinafter referred to as SLASPA) has announced that it will open its ship registry, allowing vessels owned by companies or individuals from other countries to fly its flag, with the expectation that this will benefit multiple parties.
SLASPA stated that this decision was made following a comprehensive review of the country's shipping amendment acts. Once a vessel is registered in the country in accordance with the requirements, it acquires the nationality of that country, just as a person would. Regardless of where it travels, the vessel must comply with and be subject to the laws of that country, and it will receive corresponding protection.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, when a shipowner registers a vessel in accordance with a country's ship registration procedures and obtains a certificate of nationality, the vessel acquires that country's nationality and establishes a legal relationship with that state. A vessel must fly the flag of the country whose nationality it holds to navigate the high seas; stateless vessels navigating the high seas may be considered pirate ships and are subject to interception by aircraft and warships of any nation.
Relevant authorities stated that the island nation will be able to derive certain benefits from this open policy. Additionally, the country is re-evaluating other related laws and regulations and expects to reach some exciting results in the near future, at which point the country's maritime sector will be able to derive further benefits.