H.Res. 463 — Condemning the illegal, international use of flag-of-convenience practices.

This section expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on the United States maritime industry by recognizing the need for additional funding, employment opportunities, and protections; supporting initiatives to address shortfalls in shipbuilding, ship repair, and the maritime auxiliary; reaffirming support for domestic businesses in maritime shipping, fishing, and tourism; condemning the international use of flags of convenience to evade tariffs, sanctions, workplace standards, and safety rules while enabling illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and other criminal activity; reiterating the Coast Guard’s mission and encouraging shiprider agreements; highlighting the importance of Port State Control Agreements including the Abuja, Black Sea, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Paris, Riyadh, Tokyo, and Viña del Mar memoranda; supporting the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s efforts against flag-of-convenience practices; and calling on the United Nations, International Maritime Organization, and International Labour Organization to condemn such practices and assist nations in enforcing global standards.