What Is SOLAS? Chapter-by-Chapter Overview and Enforcement
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.
Maritime Law
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What Is MARPOL? Guide to All Six Annexes and Enforcement
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…
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United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): Governing Oceanic Jurisdictions
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is a comprehensive international agreement that sets forth the legal framework governing the world’s seas and oceans. It was concluded in 1982 after years of negotiation and collaboration known as the third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III). UNCLOS…
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What is the IGC Code? Role, Key Aspects, and Compliance
The IGC Code sets international safety standards for ships carrying liquefied gases like LNG and LPG, ensuring their safe transport under strict guidelines.
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What is a Ballast Water Treatment System?
An in-depth exploration of Ballast Water Treatment Systems, their types, functioning, and key IMO regulations for safeguarding marine environments.
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What Is the Maritime Transportation Security Act — And What Does It Require of Ships?
The Maritime Transportation Security Act is US federal legislation that sets mandatory security requirements for vessels, port facilities, and the people working in them. It is not about overseas travel in any general sense — it is about what happens when a ship enters American waters, ties up at an American berth, or handles cargo…
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Container Detention and Demurrage: Meaning, Costs & Fixes
Detention and demurrage fees explained in full: the key difference, who pays, how per-diem rates are calculated, and how shippers can avoid the charges.
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What is an STCW Certificate? A Professional’s Guide
An STCW certificate is a document that proves a seafarer has met the minimum training requirements set by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). The STCW Convention, established in 1978 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), sets the global standards for the training and certification of seafarers. The…
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What is Gafta? An Essential Guide to Grain and Feed Trade Association
The Grain and Feed Trade Association (Gafta) is an internationally recognized trade organization established to promote and facilitate global trade of agricultural commodities, spices, and general produce. With over 1,900 members in 100 countries, Gafta is dedicated to protecting the interests of traders, brokers, superintendents, analysts, fumigators, arbitrators, and other professionals in the international grain…
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What is STCW Code? A Clear Explanation for Mariners
The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention is an international treaty that sets minimum qualification standards for seafarers on seagoing merchant ships and large yachts. The STCW Convention was adopted in 1978 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping. The Convention has been…