International Maritime Laws
International maritime law refers to the body of laws and regulations that govern ships and shipping activities on the high seas. These laws and conventions are adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and are binding on all countries that are party to them. They are regularly updated to reflect changes in technology, shipping practices and to take care of the marine environment. Some of the most important international maritime laws include:
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) - This treaty, adopted in 1982, sets out the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to the use of the world's oceans, including the delimitation of maritime boundaries and the management of marine resources.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) - This convention, first adopted in 1914 and most recently updated in 2015, sets safety standards for ships and marine navigation, including requirements for life-saving equipment and emergency procedures.
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) - This convention, first adopted in 1978 and most recently updated in 2018, sets standards for the training and certification of seafarers, as well as the working hours and rest periods of crew members.
The International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL) - This convention, first adopted in 1966 and most recently updated in 1988, sets standards for the safe loading and unloading of ships, including rules for determining the minimum freeboard (the distance between the waterline and the deck) of a vessel.
The International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC) - This convention, first adopted in 1969 and most recently updated in 2000, sets out the liability of shipowners and other parties in the event of an oil spill.
The International Convention on Salvage (ICS) - This convention, first adopted in 1989, sets out the rights and responsibilities of salvors (parties involved in salvage operations) and shipowners in the event of a marine casualty.
The International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships (ITC) - This convention, first adopted in 1969, sets standards for the measurement of a ship's tonnage, which is used for determining the ship's size and capacity.
The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) - This convention, first adopted in 1979, sets out the responsibilities of coastal states and ships for the search and rescue of persons in distress at sea.
The International Convention on Maritime Safety (ICS) - This convention, first adopted in 1974, sets safety standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships, including rules for the stability and seaworthiness of vessels.
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F) - This convention, adopted in 1995, sets standards for the training and certification of fishing vessel personnel, as well as the working hours and rest periods of crew members.
The International Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL) - This convention, first adopted in 1965, sets out rules and procedures to facilitate the movement of ships and cargo through ports and other maritime facilities, including regulations for the clearance of ships and cargo.
The International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea (HNS) - This convention, adopted in 1996, sets out the liability of shipowners and other parties in the event of a spill or other incident involving hazardous and noxious substances.
The International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS) - This convention, adopted in 2001, regulates the use of anti-fouling systems on ships, which are used to prevent the growth of aquatic organisms on the ship's hull.
The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM) - This convention, adopted in 2004, sets standards for the management of ships' ballast water, which can contain invasive aquatic species that can harm local ecosystems.
