Maritime administrations , or flag state administrations, are the executive arms/state bodies of each government responsible for carrying out the shipping responsibilities of the state, and are tasked to administer national shipping and boating issues and laws within their territorial waters and for vessels flagged in that country, or that fall under their jurisdiction.
The main functions are: Government policy for ships and boating, Marine safety in general, Seaworthiness, Safe construction and stability Policing Dangerous goods being carried, Navigation safety, Safe manning, Certificates of Competency/licenses for crew Health, safety and welfare of crew, Civil search and rescue Prevention and combating pollution and response, Investigation of Marine accidents Represents country on IMO and other International Conventions