Maritime law can look complicated, but some basic principles are clear.
Myth 1: "A ship's flag is the owner's country."
Fact: A ship flies the flag of the State where it is registered. The owner may be from another country. This is a common practice.
Myth 2: "A flag of convenience means illegal."
Fact: Registers called "open registries" or "flags of convenience" are lawful registration systems. However, the level of oversight and standards differs between States. That is why port State control and international conventions matter.
Myth 3: "There is no law on the high seas."
Fact: On the high seas a ship is generally subject to the law of the State whose flag it flies, and international conventions apply. There is no "lawless zone".
Myth 4: "A port State only inspects its own flagged ships."
Fact: Port State Control also inspects foreign-flagged ships calling at the port. The aim is to check compliance with international standards.
Myth 5: "With a seafarer's identity document you can go ashore in any port."
Fact: Shore leave and entry to a port depend on visas, port security and national rules. Being a seafarer does not automatically mean you may go ashore everywhere.
Conclusion
Flags, registries and law matter for understanding your rights and obligations. Knowing your contract and your ship's flag is a good start.
General information only; not legal advice.