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The Second Flag

Summary/Abstract: The article presents the experience of France and ten more states in their fighting the “convenient flags”. It has been observed that national flags are not attractive and the merchant marines of Europe are decreasing every year to the benefit of countries of convenient flags. The reasons for this are discussed in the text, as well as the countermeasures undertaken by some states for the establishment of their own convenient flags, or second flags, through the use of ex-colonies or territories with a special status. The article reviews the experience of certain states with “two flags” and two taxation regimes. The requirements of the second registers towards vessels and crew, and the respective tax reliefs are analyzed. The article outlines the knowledge of the regulations of maritime law as a prerequisite for the elaboration of Bulgaria’s maritime strategy, and for the adoption of necessary amendments to the legislation.

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