By the mid-1950s Japan took the lead in the world shipbuilding league for 35 years. However, at present there is more intense competition among the burgeoning shipbuilding countries that use cheap labour as leverage. Everyone should think more carefully about the effects for the ship operator from the cost down process during construction. In the future, Japan should take the lead in the world again on the basis of better quality and high reliability.
Selected Papers No.3(p.20)

The audit on flag State implementation that should answer for the improvement of maritime safety and marine environment protection is much debated. In a bid to audit whether the implementation of treaties is absolutely ensured, audit on a voluntary base is planned at the first stage.

There seems to be no end to marine accidents and pollution due to so called substandard ships - vessels that don't satisfy safety and environmental standards. It is important to tighten control over substandard ships to bring back safe and clean seas. However, putting the whole thing in perspective, attention should be directed to an incentive system that promotes greater use of high quality ships.