Course Info

Code PO5-108

Duration 5 Days

Format Online

Understanding Maritime & Shipping Laws

Course Summary

Marine transport is incredibly important for a vast amount of organisations who trade goods internationally. To ensure safe practices, shipping laws have been implemented and consistently updated to protect all parties involved.

To trade overseas, it is incredibly important for a business to be fully competent on the relative laws and contracts. Every transaction will require a written contract detailing the products being traded, lay-times of voyage and applicable marine insurance policies. These contracts are established to protect both seller and buyer as this method of trading can come with various risks. Contracts are also crucial to help minimise demurrage claims in situations where lay-can is not met.

Alongside understanding contracts, it is also vital to be competent in the international laws in relation to shipping. All businesses must follow their local laws, international laws and conventions and the laws of their destination to ensure all deliveries can be efficiently made.


  • To understand the vitality of maritime law.
  • To assess the essential elements of maritime law.
  • To identify the roles of Charter Parties.
  • To explain the importance of maritime insurance within the industry.
  • To review the ideal use of maritime insurance.
  • To analyse disputes and resolve them efficiently to avoid cost and time wasted.
  • To understand the main types of shipping contracts, treaties and international convention within the industry.
  • To explore the full responsibilities and rights of parties involved in the shipping trade.
  • To manage the risks and liabilities involved with maritime transactions.

This course is designed for anyone with the responsibility of international trading using ships and vessels. It would be most beneficial for:

  • Fleet and Ship Managers
  • Financial Managers
  • Marine Operations Personnel
  • Business Owners
  • Logistics Analysts
  • Development Managers
  • Voyage Analysts

This course uses a variety of adult learning styles to aid full understanding and comprehension. Participants will review examples of various established contracts to highlight key features.

They will partake in a range of learning methods, including presentations, video materials, practical exercises and group discussions to ensure they can develop a complete understanding of the taught content. They will be supplied with all the necessary equipment to carry out the given learning activities, and will be able to work in groups to create their own shipping contracts in relation to their specific roles.


Course Content & Outline

Section 1: Introduction to Maritime Law
  • The legal framework of maritime law.
  • International law and conventions in relation to law of the sea.
  • Reviewing the UN Convention on Contracts for the international sale of goods (CISG).
  • The various contracts of ship building, repair, sale and purchase.
  • The concepts and principles of each ship contract.
  • Determining and assigning ownership and registration of vessels.

 

Section 2: International Law
  • Describing the purpose of Carriage of Goods by Sea.
  • The various types of Charter parties – time, voyage, demise and lump sum.
  • Explaining the functions, legal features, limitations and the operation of contractual freedoms of each type of charter party.
  • The principles of Bill of Lading and how it is utilised.
  • Analysing the different rulesets relating to Carriage of Goods by Sea – Hague, Hague-Visby and Hamburg and Rotterdam rules.
  • Understanding the standardisation of contracts including BIMCO.

 

Section 3: Insurance and Contracts of Sale
  • Key concepts and principles of maritime insurance.
  • The different types of insurances and what contracts they are most suitable for.
  • How insurance benefits all parties involved.
  • The process of making a sale, including international trade, risks of exchanging goods, bank involvement and documentation.
  • Balancing insurable interest and proximate cause.
  • Common insurance policies, cargo clauses and contract of indemnity and warranties.

 

Section 4: Voyage Charter Party
  • The types of lay-time including starting lay-time and notice of readiness (NOR).
  • How to calculate lay-time.
  • Potential situations for suspending or stopping lay-time.
  • Cancelling a charter party when necessary and lay-can.
  • Calculating demurrage and despatch costs when needed.

 

Section 5: Enforcement of Maritime Claims
  • Causes of vessel arrest and sister ship arrest where international instruments are applicable.
  • The utilisation of freezing orders (Mareva Injunction).
  • Exercising jurisdiction.
  • Understanding the process of ship arrest.


Course Video