The International Flag-State Association (IFA), an association of the
world’s three largest registries, Liberia, the Republic of the
Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Panama, has been meeting since
2021. IFA is the first alliance of its kind and was designed to allow
its members to have a platform to more formally engage with respect to
global challenges, stakeholder insight, and the development and
implementation of international instruments to enhance maritime safety,
security, the protection of the marine environment, and the welfare of
seafarers, among others.
Unlike other maritime sectors, flag States previously lacked a dedicated
and formal global platform. IFA aims to fill that gap. For example, in
2024, IFA members enhanced the capabilities of the successful Registry
Information Sharing Compact (RISC) by improving the paths to information
exchange through an integrated online database. The RISC database is an
online tool for consultation among subscribed flag States that allows
for easier access to details on problem vessels that may be evading
regulations or engaging in suspicious activities.
While information sharing has been the priority to date for IFA, one of
its next steps will be applying for consultative status at the
International Maritime Organization to more actively contribute to
international policymaking.
IFA founding member representatives include Alfonso Castillero, Chief
Executive Officer, Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry;
Bill Gallagher, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Republic
of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator; and Alexander De Gracia,
Deputy Administrator, Panama Maritime Authority. Collectively, these
founding member representatives agree that:
“IFA brings together the world’s most influential flag States, which
represent more than 40% of the world’s gross tonnage, to promote
higher maritime safety, security, environmental protection, seafarer
welfare, and practical, globally harmonized rules and regulations.
Shipping is a worldwide industry and maritime regulations must remain
global.”
IFA welcomes participation from other flag States committed to these
same objectives. For membership information, please contact:
info@ifa-association.com.
