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…
The IGC Code sets international safety standards for ships carrying liquefied gases like LNG and LPG, ensuring their safe transport under strict guidelines.
An in-depth exploration of Ballast Water Treatment Systems, their types, functioning, and key IMO regulations for safeguarding marine environments.
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…
Detention and demurrage are two terms that significantly influence the global shipping industry, yet they often remain obscured in complexity. With global trade on the rise, it becomes vital for businesses, importers, and exporters to fully comprehend these costs, not just for budgetary reasons but also to ensure seamless shipping processes. This article sheds light…
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…
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…
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…
If you’ve landed on this article, you’re likely intrigued by the mysterious and dangerous world of modern day pirates. While piracy may evoke images of Blackbeard and his notorious crew, maritime crime is still very much alive and kicking in the 21st century. In this article, we’ll delve into the various facets of contemporary piracy,…
In the wake of the 9/11 attack in the United States, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) as a comprehensive set of measures designed to respond to perceived threats to ships and port facilities. Part A of the Code and SOLAS Chapter XI-2 mandated contracting…