Course Description

This course presents the legal principles affecting shipping business. English law is the most widely used law in shipping business. Nearly all practical documents of an international nature involved with shipping business are based on English Law, therefore students must thoroughly understand concepts of common law, case law and precedent and how these contrast with statute law (knowledge of specific national statutes is not required).
 

Course Goal

To enhance the participants’ knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to have a general understanding of the principles of the law relating to matters frequently encountered in shipping business.
 

Course Objectives

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

• Understand concepts of common law, case law and precedent and how these contrast with statute law.
• Understand statutes of limitations, time bars, and their impact in shipping business. 
• Understand the role of arbitration in dispute resolution.
• Understand different services provided by maritime arbitrators including short form arbitration and mediation.
• Understand the principles of the law of contract especially the essential ingredients of offer, acceptance, consideration and legality.
• Understand general principles of law of agency and how an agency may be created.
• Understand the precise nature of tort.
• Be aware of the differences between libel and slander.
• Understand the need for an internationally agreed framework of law governing carriage of goods by sea.
• Understand the role and functions of bills of lading.
• Understand the precise nature of General Average and the particular circumstances leading to the declaration of General Average.
• Understand that international maritime conventions have a major impact upon day-to-day shipping business.
• Be aware of the SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW. 
• Be aware of the Port State Control Convention.

Who Can Benefit

Individuals who wish to carry out a career in Shipping Law, or wish to increase their knowledge of the area.