Maritime Law

What the ISM Code requires of shipping companies and ships: SMS elements, the DPA, DOC and SMC certification, ISM audits and PSC detention risks explained.

What the 2008 IS Code requires: GZ and GM criteria, the weather criterion, special rules for passenger ships, tankers and timber carriers, and inspections.

SOLAS is the IMO’s core ship safety treaty. This guide breaks down what each of its fourteen chapters actually covers and how it gets enforced at sea.

MARPOL is the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships. It’s the IMO treaty governing oil, chemical, sewage, garbage, and air pollution at sea. Adopted in 1973 and in force since 1983 as MARPOL 73/78, it’s split into six Annexes, each covering a different pollution source. This guide breaks down what each Annex…

The MTSA in plain terms: who it covers, security plans and officers, MARSEC levels, TWIC cards, how it differs from ISPS and what USCG boardings check.

The main STCW certificates, from basic training to officer CoCs: what each proves, who needs it, how long it lasts and how to get and verify one.