Introduction

The maritime industry is a cornerstone of international trade and economic development, facilitating the transport of over 80% of global goods by volume. As this complex industry operates across jurisdictions and geopolitical boundaries, maritime law and policy play a critical role in ensuring safe, fair, and efficient practices at sea. From regulating shipping operations to resolving disputes, protecting marine environments, and shaping international cooperation, maritime law and policy are essential components of modern maritime governance.

The "Maritime Law & Policy" training program, developed by Global Horizon Training Center, is tailored for professionals involved in maritime operations, legal affairs, port management, and regulatory institutions. The course provides an in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks, conventions, and policies governing international waters, maritime zones, shipping liability, marine insurance, and environmental regulations.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key principles and sources of maritime law.

• Interpret and apply international conventions such as UNCLOS, SOLAS, and MARPOL.

• Analyze legal aspects of ship registration, ownership, and flag state control.

• Evaluate legal liabilities, insurance, and dispute resolution in maritime operations.

• Explore the role of national and international maritime policy in shaping industry practices.

• Identify environmental and regulatory issues affecting maritime activities.

Course Methodology

This course uses a blend of theoretical and practical methods, including:

• Interactive lectures led by maritime law and policy experts.

• Case studies of real-world maritime incidents and legal rulings.

• Review of international conventions and legal documents.

• Group discussions and legal scenario workshops.

• Problem-solving sessions and risk analysis exercises.

Organizational Impact

Organizations that send participants to this course will benefit from:

• Stronger compliance with international and national maritime regulations.

• Improved capacity to handle contractual and legal matters in shipping.

• Reduced risk of litigation and liability through legal awareness.

• Enhanced ability to develop and enforce maritime policy frameworks.

• Better stakeholder coordination across ports, shipping lines, and legal entities.

• Improved corporate governance and risk management in maritime projects.

Target Audience

This program is ideal for:

• Maritime legal advisors and in-house counsel

• Port and shipping company executives

• Government officials in maritime regulatory bodies

• Policy makers and analysts in transport ministries

• Ship managers, marine insurers, and compliance officers

• Academics and researchers in maritime law and ocean policy

Outlines

Day 1: Foundations of Maritime Law

• Overview and Historical Development of Maritime Law

• Sources: Treaties, Customary Law, and National Legislation

• Key Maritime Law Doctrines: Freedom of the Seas, Flag State Principle

• Introduction to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

• Maritime Zones: Internal Waters, Territorial Sea, EEZ, and High Seas

Day 2: International Conventions and Maritime Safety

• SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea): Scope and Requirements

• MARPOL (Marine Pollution): Preventing Pollution at Sea

• STCW (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping)

• Port State vs. Flag State Control

• Case Studies of Major Maritime Accidents and Legal Implications

Day 3: Legal Aspects of Maritime Operations

• Ship Registration, Ownership, and Nationality

• Maritime Liabilities: Collisions, Salvage, and Towage

• Marine Insurance and P&I Clubs

• Charter Parties and Contracts of Carriage (Bill of Lading)

• Legal Framework for Crew Management and Labor Issues

Day 4: Dispute Resolution and Admiralty Jurisdiction

• Admiralty and Maritime Jurisdiction in National Courts

• Maritime Arbitration and International Tribunals

• Dispute Resolution under UNCLOS (ITLOS and Arbitration)

• Ship Arrest and Enforcement of Maritime Claims

• Legal Risk Management in Maritime Operations

Day 5: Maritime Policy and Future Trends

• Role of Governments and International Maritime Organizations (IMO)

• National Maritime Strategy and Policy Design

• Marine Environmental Protection and Climate Change Policy

• Emerging Issues: Autonomous Ships, Cybersecurity, and Digital Shipping

• Final Workshop: Drafting a Model Maritime Policy Proposal