Meaning of flag of convenience | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Registration of a ship in a country chosen for its low taxes, permissive regulations, etc.
   figuratively
2. The flag flown by a ship so registered (corresponding to the country of registration).
   literally
3. Use of a particular location or jurisdiction as one's nominal base of operations in order to take advantage of favorable laws and regulations or to avoid restrictions on one's operations.
   broadly

Examples

“The terms of the treaties restricted the Navy's potential actions somewhat, but slavers were beginning to recognise that no flag of convenience was likely to keep them safe for long, especially as the United States began to send a few ships to help out what was now called the Preventative Squadron starting in the 1820s.”

CEFR level