Port (circuit theory)

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Algorithm

Engineering

Aerospace engineering

Pure mathematics

Virology

International law

Computer science

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)

Outbreak

Geology

Business

International trade

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Oceanography

Flag (linear algebra)

Mathematics

Political science

State responsibility

Infectious disease (medical specialty)

Internal medicine

Medicine

Pandemic

Disease

Algebra over a field

Cruise

State (computer science)

Electrical engineering

Pathology

Ocean Development & International Law

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed additional weaknesses of the already troubling "flag of convenience" practices under international law; the passenger cruise industry was especially impacted. Most cruise ships under distress from the pandemic received little aid from their flag states, and many vessels were denied entry into ports of nonflag states (regardless of whether an outbreak had been documented onboard). States and vessels lacked clear guidance around their rights and responsibilities under the extraordinary circumstances, resulting in a less efficient response to a dangerous situation. This article reviews the current status of international law concerning port and flag state duties to distressed vessels, and suggests the creation of flag state medical liability to help clarify decision-making during future health crises.

Cruise Ships, COVID-19, and Port/Flag State Obligations