Quality Assurance in Maritime Administration: Applying ISO/IEC 17000 Principles to Strengthen Flag State Performance

Global maritime safety and environmental protection hinge critically on the effective oversight and compliance mechanisms employed by flag States. Although the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) aims to verify adherence to international obligations, its current structure demonstrates limited integration with universally recognized quality assurance frameworks such as the ISO/IEC 17000 series. This paper explores how the adoption of ISO/IEC 17000 conformity assessment principles—including impartiality, competence, transparency, and continuous improvement—can serve to elevate flag State performance. Drawing upon empirical insights garnered from Delphi studies and case analyses, notably Finland's IMSAS audit experience, this study advocates for the incorporation of ISO-aligned quality management systems within national maritime administrations. Such integration would foster a more consistent, credible, and resilient maritime governance structure, ensuring sustainable improvements in global maritime safety and environmental stewardship.