Published on 6 January 2025

Advantages of sailing under the Swiss flag

The Swiss flag offers a number of advantages for shipping companies, owners and seafarers – as well as instilling a feeling of home on board the ships sailing under it.

The Swiss flag on the sea in front of the volcano of Stromboli. — © Picture provided

The many advantages of the Swiss flag:

• Legal certainty

  The Swiss legal system also offers companies operating in the maritime shipping sector a reliable legal framework with functioning institutions.

• Guided by international conventions

  As Switzerland is a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Swiss seagoing vessels must comply with all conventions ratified by Switzerland, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code). The requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) also apply.

• Economic stability enables long-term planning

  Companies benefit from Switzerland's stable economic situation and framework conditions. This security enables long-term investments in new ships.

• An effective and accessible administration

  The SMNO is easily accessible and has transparent, efficient and customer-oriented administrative processes.

• 24/7 emergency on-call service for commercial seagoing vessels

  The SMNO offers a 24-hour emergency service that responds immediately to emergencies and provides support in critical situations.

• Cooperation with classification societies

  Six respected classification societies (ABS, BV, DNV, LR, NKK and Rina) guarantee the highest standards in terms of seaworthiness and technical equipment.

• A piece of home on board

  Flying the Swiss flag brings a piece of Switzerland to the world's oceans – symbolising Swiss values of precision, reliability and stability.

• Seafarers

  Seafarers on Swiss commercial seagoing vessels have trade union protection and Swiss law applies on all Swiss vessels.