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This study examines the impact of adopting the open ship registry system on maritime fleet performance, using the State of Qatar during the period 2012-2022 as an applied case.It also highlights the system's implications for maritime safety and marine environmental protection, as well as for the size and performance of the national fleet.The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach in addition to the case study method, and relied on field tools including a questionnaire (40 forms), interviews, observation, and site visits, alongside statistical analysis using SPSS to test the research hypotheses.The findings indicate a statistically significant relationship between open registration and indicators associated with increased safety risks and weaker inspection and control procedures.The results also show that a considerable proportion of shipowners prefer open registration for economic and regulatory reasons, most notably lower costs and taxes and greater flexibility regarding crew requirements, despite the facilitation features offered by Qatar's national registry.Moreover, the study reveals that shifting vessels to flags of convenience negatively affects the size of the national fleet and reduces the potential economic and strategic benefits derived from it.Accordingly, the study recommends strengthening the attractiveness of national registration by reducing fees and taxes, easing national crew requirements, improving registration and oversight mechanisms, and intensifying awareness efforts about the adverse safety and environmental impacts of open registration-thereby supporting the preservation of the Qatari maritime fleet and its role in boosting the national economy and facilitating foreign trade.