move planned to enhance the Island's reputation on the high seas.

In recent years the Bermuda Registry of Shipping has seen a rise in the number of vessels carrying its flag and officials expect the trend to continue apace into the new Millennium.

And now plans to have the Island taken off the International Transport Workers' Federation "Flags of Convenience'' list could give a massive boost to the agency.

Around 25 countries of 160 worldwide are included on the list and de-listing is seen as vital if the registry is to keep its upward trend continuing.

Those on the list can be targeted for checks on crew conditions and pay rates -- which can lead to costly detentions in ports and are consequently not popular with owners.

But Bermuda's standards are so high they currently top the list as the best country for the least number of detentions -- and have been at number one or two for the last few years. Subsequently Bermuda-registered vessels are not targeted by ITWF officials for checks in foreign ports.

In addition the Island has a strong reputation for high safety standards, working conditions and pay rates on vessels registered here.

All of which lead officials to believe they have a good case for coming off the list.

Marine and Ports director Ron Ross said: "We feel we shouldn't be on it. We have no grievance with the ITWF, it is just the way they draw up their list.

"If we come off the list we will become more attractive to owners.'' Talks are expected to take place between the Government agency and with the ITWF's local affiliate the Bermuda Industrial Union, in a bid to move the de-listing on.

Currently the registry has around 130 ships with a gross tonnage of 5.1 million and a further 380 on its yacht registry -- including 68 "mega yachts''.

The commercial ships range from 2,000 to 450,000 tonnes. Future registrations include four very large crude carriers and ten other vessels.

The increase in the number of "mega yachts'' -- large, luxury yachts costing between $10m and $150 million each -- is a growing section of business which Bermuda is starting to tap into.

At present it has 68 mega yachts on its books and expect to see a further rise as more of the 170 currently being built around the world slip into the water.

And much of the business has come by word of mouth, as owners of the mega yachts increasingly see the Bermuda ensign as a kudos factor on their vessels.

Bermuda has also moved in to the demise charter register, which basically means a ship can be registered with two countries, utilising the best operating and financial aspects of both. On a finance front, Bermuda is attractive to ship owners and the $1.3 million of revenue the registry brings the Government also has spin-offs for lawyers and other ancillary services.