This course provides the background for understanding maritime law. It covers two interconnected areas:
The first is how international shipping operates within a legal framework underpinned by the freedom of navigation, the flag state's rights and responsibilities with respect to ships flying its flag and the global requirements for safe ships and clean seas. The course considers the regulatory regime developed within the International Maritime Organisation, the codification of the legal rights of flag and coastal states under the Law of the Sea Convention 1982, the ways through which the quality of shipping is assured by flag states and the consequences for non-compliant ships. The efforts for the development of sustainable shipping and for decarbonisation are considered by looking at the various interests involved.
The second part provides an overview of the major stakeholders in shipping, namely, shipowners, the banks funding them, the charterers and cargo owners, the Classification Societies, the hull and Protection and Indemnity Insurers (P&I Clubs), the port services and the salvors, the crew and the passengers. The legal arrangements between the various stakeholders are outlined. The purpose of the course is to provide a landscape for the embedment of the specialised courses dealing with the legal arrangements between specific stakeholders.

The research essay assessment will be on one topic provided shortly after the end of the Seminars.

In the revision class on 23.9.2026, students will be given guidance on critical research and writing.

Applicable to students admitted before Semester A 2022/23 and Semester A 2024/25 and thereafter

Students must obtain an overall mark of 40% in order to pass the course.

Applicable to students admitted in Semester A 2022/23 and 2023/24

Students must obtain an overall mark of 50% in order to pass the course.