Flag State refers to the jurisdiction of a specific country or government body under which a vessel is registered or licensed. The vessel, often referred to as a 'ship of the flag state,' operates under the laws, regulations, and international agreements of that particular country. The flag state has authority and control over the vessel and is responsible for inspections, certification, regulation of safety and pollution prevention standards, and implementation of applicable maritime conventions. The term 'Flag State' originates from the practice of ships displaying the flag of their country of registry during international voyages.

1. The ship "Queen Mary 2" is flagged under the flag state of Bermuda. Under this registration, the ship adheres to the laws and regulations of Bermuda. 2. An oil tanker operating in international waters may be registered under the flag state of Panama. This means that the ship must comply with the maritime laws of Panama, and Panama is responsible for the inspection of the ship. 3. A fishing vessel is registered in Norway and thus, the Norwegian authorities have jurisdiction over it. This example is significant as it is a clear demonstration of a flag state's authority. 4. A large container ship is registered under the flag state of Marshall Islands. Even if this ship spends most of its time in foreign waters, its operation, safety standards, and crew treatment are subjected to Marshallese laws. 5. MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, a giant in the global sea freight industry, registers most of its ships under the flag state of Switzerland. This means that these vessels must comply with the maritime laws of Switzerland.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the concept of "flag states" plays a huge role in international maritime law? When a ship sails under the flag of a country, it is subject to the laws of that country, and it is also protected by its sovereignty. This is a centuries-old tradition, known as the "law of the flag," originally developed in the context of naval warfare. Today, some countries, like Liberia and Panama, have large "open registries," allowing foreign-owned ships to register under their flag. Consequently, they've become the largest merchant marine fleets in the world, despite having relatively small coastlines themselves! Licensing under such "flags of convenience" is often done due to less stringent regulations, lower operating costs, or to avoid the politics of the owner's country, illustrating the more complex facets of the global maritime industry.