Flag State inspections are conducted by Flag State Inspectors from the Tuvalu Ship Registry (TSR) or by maritime surveyors that have been appointed by TSR which may include reputable survey companies or classification societies.

The purpose of carrying out a Flag State Inspection is to review the general condition of the ship, its operations and documentation to ensure that the minimum standards are present. TSR believes this will result in better Port State Control (PSC) results which reduced PSC detentions.

If TSR considers a PSC detention unfair, then TSR will be willing to discuss the matter with the appropriate Port State. However if the vessel is deficient, then recommendations will be given to ensure that necessary actions are taken to avoid further detentions.

Detentions not only result in loss of earnings to ship owners / operators, but are detrimental to the reputation of the flag.