🌊 Introduction

Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs activities and disputes on the world’s oceans and seas. Its origins can be traced back centuries, evolving from customary practices to comprehensive international frameworks. Two major sources form the foundation of modern maritime law: customary law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

⚖️ 1. Customary Maritime Law

Definition:
Customary law arises from long-standing practices and norms accepted as legal obligations by maritime nations.

Key Features:

• Based on tradition, usage, and mutual agreement among seafaring nations.

• Enforced by maritime courts historically, especially in port cities.

• Examples include rules for salvage, collision liability, and the duty to assist ships in distress.

• Laid the groundwork for more formalized international agreements.

Historical Context:

• Ancient maritime codes, such as the Rhodian Sea Law and the Consolato del Mare (14th century), played a critical role.

• European maritime nations developed similar rules that later converged into recognized customs.

🌍 2. UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)

Overview:

• Adopted in 1982, UNCLOS is often called the "Constitution of the Oceans."

• Establishes the legal framework for marine and maritime activities.

Key Contributions:

• Defines maritime zones: Territorial Sea, Contiguous Zone, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and High Seas.

• Sets rules for navigation, overflight, marine research, and resource exploitation.

• Addresses issues like environmental protection and dispute resolution.

Global Impact:

• Ratified by over 160 countries.

• Enforced by mechanisms like the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

• Influences national legislation and underpins international maritime regulation.

🧭 Summary

Maritime law has evolved from unwritten customs to a codified international system, with UNCLOS serving as the cornerstone of modern governance. Understanding both customary practices and formal treaties is essential for interpreting maritime legal obligations and rights in today's global shipping and ocean resource landscape.