This course provides an explanation of the foundational principles of the law of the sea, a critical overview of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and an analysis of subsequent developments including the many bilateral, regional, and global agreements that supplement the Convention. It takes as its focus the rules and institutions established by the Convention on the Law of the Sea in both historical and contemporary context. All of the main areas of the law of the sea are addressed including the foundations and sources of the law, the nature and extent of the maritime zones, the delimitation of overlapping maritime boundaries, navigational rights and freedoms, military activities at sea, marine resources and conservation issues including fisheries, marine environment protection, and dispute settlement.

Final Examination: The use of Generative AI tools is not allowed.

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

Students must obtain a minimum mark of 40% in both coursework and examination and an overall mark of 40% in order to pass the course. The examination will be in open-book and students are required to use computers to type the answers.

Applicable to students admitted from Semester A 2022/23 to Summer Term 2024

Students must obtain a minimum mark of 50% in both coursework and examination and an overall mark of 50% in order to pass the course. The examination will be in open-book and students are required to use computers to type the answers.