International Maritime Law Flashcards
What is Maritime Law?
Including Public & Private Law
Maritime Law (Admiralty Law) governs activities & disputes on navigable waters.
Public Maritime Law - Covers International treaties, environmental laws & safety regulations
Private Maritime Law - Deals with contracts, liabilities, insurance & disputes between private entities
What are the 5 Key International Conventions?
UNCLOS - SOLAS - MARPOL - STWC - MLC
What is the Purpose of UNCLOS?
To define territorial Waters, exclusive economic zones (EEZs) & the high seas.
What is the purpose of SOLAS?
To ensure ship safety & Life saving equipment.
What is the purpose of MARPOL?
Prevents marine pollution (oil spills, waste disposal, air pollution via the 6 Annex’s)
Name all 6 Annexes & give brief description.
1.Annex I – Oil Pollution (Entered into force: 1983)
• Regulates the prevention of oil pollution from operational discharges and accidental spills.
• Requires oil filtering equipment and segregated ballast tanks.
2. Annex II – Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS) in Bulk (1983)
• Governs the control of pollution from chemicals carried in bulk.
• Ships must follow procedures for handling and discharging hazardous substances.
3. Annex III – Harmful Substances in Packaged Form (1992)
• Covers pollution from packaged dangerous goods transported by sea.
• Requires proper labeling, documentation, and storage.
4. Annex IV – Sewage Pollution (2003)
• Regulates the discharge of sewage into the sea from ships.
• Requires ships to have sewage treatment plants or holding tanks.
5. Annex V – Garbage Pollution (1998)
• Prohibits the disposal of plastics and regulates the disposal of other waste types.
• Defines special areas with stricter discharge rules.
6. Annex VI – Air Pollution (2005)
• Limits sulfur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from ships.
• Regulates ozone-depleting substances and ship energy efficiency.
Each annex has special areas with stricter regulations to protect sensitive marine environments.
What is the purpose of STCW?
Regulates crew training & certification
What is the purpose of MLC?
Protects seafarers’ rights (contracts, wages, living conditions)
Define UNCLOS’ Maritime zones & their boundaries:
Internal Waters.
Internal Waters: Inside the baseline - Full sovereignty
Define UNCLOS’ Maritime zones & their boundaries:
Territorial Sea
12 Nautical Miles - Foreign ships have right of innocent passage
Define UNCLOS’ Maritime zones & their boundaries:
Contiguous Zone
24 Nautical Miles - Enforce Laws on customs, immigration & pollution
Define UNCLOS’ Maritime zones & their boundaries:
Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ’s)
200 Nautical Miles - Exclusive rights to marine resources
Define UNCLOS’ Maritime zones & their boundaries:
High Seas
Beyond the EEZ - Open to all states: governed by international Law
Define Flag State.
A country where a ship is registered (responsible for its safety & compliance)
Define Port State Control? (PSC)
A foreign port can inspect visiting ships to ensure that they comply with international regulations.
What is Common Law?
Common law is based on precedents & Judicial Rulings
What is Civil Law and how does it apply in Maritime cases?
Civil Law is based on codified statutes & regulations.
In Maritime cases, common law relies on case rulings, while civil law uses written codes.
Describe Flag State Responsibilities.
Enforces international conventions, safety standards & crew welfare
It conducts surveys, issue certificates & ensures compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC & STCW
Name the main differences between FLAG STATE & PORT STATE CONTROL
FLAG STATE - Ensures compliance for ships under its registry - responsible for inspections and certifications
PORT STATE CONTROL - Inspects vessels in its ports to verify compliance with international standards - acts as a safeguard against substandard shipping.
Admiralty Law: Collision
Liability for Collisions is governed by which 2 conventions?
1.COLREGS
&
2.1976 Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (LLMC), which caps liability based on tonnage.
Ship owners can limit liability for claims like personal injury or property damage under the LLMC by establishing a limitation fund based on vessel tonnage.
Name the 3 types of Marine Insurance?
Hull & Machinery - covers physical damage to ship caused by perils like collisions & grounding
P&I Clubs (Protection & Indemnity) - Mutual insurance associations that cover 3rd Party liabilities such as pollution or crew claims
Claims Handling - Involves asses damages, negotiating settlements & ensuring compliance with international conventions & insurance terms
Give 2 examples of a Criminal Act & its punishment
Burglary & Murder - Imprisoned or Fixed Penalty
Give 2 Examples of a Civil Wrong
A Road offence (speeding)
Failing to pay for or complete work done by a person or a company
Define a Tort
A civil wrongful - A breach of duty fixed by law