This book deals with what is, and will long remain, the most important phenomenon in the evolution and development of international ship registration, organization and management. The book places the subject in the context of international law and trade relations, it also provides country-by-country practice of all nations offering this service. It should therefore be a useful source for academics as well as a useful guide for practitioners. This work is intended as a companion to legal practitioners, maritime administrations, shipowners and managers, insurers and brokers, arbitrators and classification societies, maritime organizations and schools, economists and researchers.