To ensure that registered ships meet a satisfactory standard, most Flag State Administrations have in place a system of periodical inspection, normally carried out by Approved Nautical Inspectors.  Under Maritime Labour Conventions, the flag state also has a duty to ensure that ships are well maintained and safely operated.

Safety inspections are normally carried out prior to a ship being accepted onto a Registry, and Annually thereafter.  Inspections are comprehensive and include inspection and verification of documentation and procedures, general examination of the ship structure, machinery and equipment, and operational testing of lifesaving and firefighting apparatus.

A Adamson & Co are authorised by The Bahamas Maritime Authority and Barbados Maritime to carry out Flag State Inspections on ships carrying their flags, and regularly conduct inspections on ships at all ports in Scotland.