Fit and Proper

Fit and proper is a standard some flag administrations apply when deciding whether to register a ship or accept an operator, screening the owner, manager, and beneficial interests for integrity, competence, and compliance history before entry on the register. The test draws on sanctions screening, prior detention and casualty records, and the operator’s safety management track record. Flags that apply it use the standard to keep substandard or high-risk operators off the register, which protects the flag’s standing on PSC white, grey, and black lists. The criteria vary by administration and are set in national registration law rather than an IMO instrument.