International Maritime Law

Introduction

The course gives a thorough introduction to International Maritime Law and rules and contracts applicable to shipping. The students will learn about the national and international framework of shipping, jurisdiction and applicable law(s), and how conventions and standard contracts are created and implemented. The course covers flag state laws, port state laws and contracts used for shipping of goods and passengers. Important principles of salvage, collision, pollution and environmental aspects of shipping is covered. The students will learn about IMO and the importance of conventions when regulating the international shipping industry. Laws applicable to transportation at sea, cargo liability, passenger liabilities, collision and other third party liabilities are covered. Mandatory and non-mandatory rules relating to shipowners' and charterers' liabilities are covered, together with limitation rules and rules relating to maritime liens and mortgages.

Course content

• International Maritime Law - introduction and terminology
• The Norwegian Maritime Code
• National laws and international conventions
• Ship registration and the importance of the flag
• Shipowners liabilities in contract and tort
• Carriers liability to cargo
• Carriers liability to passengers
• Limitation rules
• Maritime liens
• Salvage rules
• Collision rules
• Liability for oil and bunkers pollution
• Liens and mortgages
• Jurisdiction and dispute resolutions
• ESG (Environment, Social and Governance)
• Air and water pollution
• Case work