International Maritime Law Fundamentals
A foundation course introducing the international legal framework governing oceans, maritime zones, navigation, maritime jurisdiction, environmental protection, maritime safety and international cooperation.
Academy pass mark: 80%
Public course: Anyone may study this course before applying for a Court service role.
Module 1 — Introduction to the Law of the Sea
Students are introduced to the international legal framework governing the oceans and seas, with particular attention to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The course distinguishes the law governing maritime spaces from the separate but connected body of rules governing ships, safety, pollution and other maritime activities.
Module 2 — Maritime Zones and Jurisdiction
Students examine the principal maritime zones and the different legal rights and responsibilities associated with them, including internal waters, the territorial sea, the contiguous zone, the exclusive economic zone and the high seas. Particular attention is given to the relationship between coastal-State jurisdiction, flag-State jurisdiction and the rights of other States.
Module 3 — Navigation and Maritime Rights
Students study basic principles governing navigation and passage, including innocent passage and the legal responsibilities associated with ships operating in maritime areas. Students learn that navigation rights operate within an international legal framework and are not unlimited.
Module 4 — Maritime Boundaries and Dispute Settlement
Students are introduced to maritime boundary questions, overlapping maritime claims and the importance of lawful delimitation. The course also introduces peaceful methods of resolving maritime disputes and the role that evidence, geography, treaty interpretation and international adjudication may play.
Module 5 — Marine Environmental Protection
Students examine the international duty to protect and preserve the marine environment and the legal framework concerning pollution from vessels, land-based sources, dumping and offshore activities. The course introduces the responsibilities of States and the importance of cooperation, prevention, enforcement and environmental assessment.
Module 6 — Maritime Safety, Security and International Cooperation
Students examine the relationship between the law of the sea and international maritime conventions dealing with safety, pollution prevention, liability, unlawful acts against shipping and other maritime matters. Students learn why effective maritime governance depends upon cooperation between flag States, coastal States, port States and international organisations.