Would an independent Bermuda have the clout to negotiate its own airlines? And if the Bermuda Shipping Register left the British Register with Independence how would it fare? At present the United Kingdom negotiates air routes with other countries on Bermuda's behalf. It also offers Bermuda free membership to the Red Ensign Group which is part of the British Shipping Register.

The Bermuda Shipping Register which ranked 28 among the world's registers in 1993 generates half a million dollars annually in net revenue for the Island.

Bermuda has also benefitted from the Red Ensign Group's reputation for high standards.

According to the Green Paper on Independence, much of the tonnage currently held by the Bermuda Register is a direct result of its affiliation with the Red Ensign Group.

Essentially the Group provides Bermuda with representation free of charge on international bodies such as the International Maritime Organisation and International Labour Organisation.

It also provides British consular service for ships and seamen, Royal Navy protection and technical assistance from UK government agencies all free of charge.

However, restrictions concerning officer manning mean certain shipping groups are excluded from registering in Bermuda.

On the issue of civil aviation, Bermuda is at present bound by United Kingdom aviation law.

Air services are negotiated by the United Kingdom with some input from the Bermuda Government where Bermuda's interests are concerned.

Aviation economic regulation and airline tariffs are administered by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority which acts in consultation with the Bermuda Director of Civil Aviation.

But on issues of air safety, crew licensing, airworthiness and flight operation inspections, the Bermuda Director of Civil Aviation acts independently of the United Kingdom. Bermuda must nevertheless demonstrate on a regular basis that it complies with international standards.

According to the Government's Green Paper, an independent Bermuda would withdraw from the Red Ensign Group.

This would remove British legislative oversight in Bermuda's maritime affairs and any obligation to act on Bermuda's behalf in areas such as marine conservation and pollution.

The Green Paper maintains that a Bermuda Register operating in its own right with "the appropriate level of promotion and investment'' would be in a position to compete for world tonnage.

While the paper states there would be little in the way of additional costs for day-to-day operations it admits "significant investment'' in the register would be required.

This, it says, could in time be offset by increased Government revenue.

"Given the nec essary resources it could have the potential to expand if the Island chose to become independent,'' the Green Paper states.

Bermuda would also have to pay $150,000 annually for membership of the International Maritime Organisation which it now receives for free.

Technical advice through the UK Government's Marine Safety Agency could continue on a commercial basis post-Independence. Otherwise, it could be provided by other maritime administrations also on a paying basis.

In the event of Independence, Bermuda would also have to assume full responsibility for its air links with other countries.

Air Service Agreements with the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom would have to be renegotiated.

In addition, new local legislation would need to be enacted to replace United Kingdom aviation law which currently applies to Bermuda.

Bermuda would also shoulder the responsibility of administering economic regulations but would still look to the UK or US for advice on air safety.

"This will be essential,'' the Green Paper states, "to ensure that the Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation can continue to provide all the necessary technical expertise to regulate activities under the Register of Aircraft and to operate the airport properly.'' Despite all this, the Paper estimates costs would be modest. Membership of ICAO would total $30,000 a year. Otherwise additional costs of administering the Bermuda Register of Aircraft would "in due course'' be met from self-generated revenue.

Transport Minister the Hon. Maxwell Burgess is confident Bermuda could negotiate her own air routes with the help of a consultant. The benefits outweighed the drawbacks, he said.

"We would be in a position to look at new frontiers without restriction.'' At present, he said, air routes were currently negotiated by Britain with their own interests first.

But Independence opponent Dr. David Dyer said, with Independence from Great Britain, Bermuda would be beholden to other countries such as the United States instead.

"Being independent will not let us just do what we want,'' he said.

Furthermore, the Island had already reached saturation point with air links with the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

"We're not short of planes coming here,'' he said. "We couldn't operate with any more.''