International Maritime Conventions
Expert-defined terms from the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Maritime Law course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
International Maritime Conventions Glossary #
International Maritime Conventions Glossary
AIS (Automatic Identification System) #
AIS (Automatic Identification System)
- Explanation: AIS is a tracking system used on ships and by vessel traff… #
It transmits information such as vessel identity, position, course, and speed to other ships and shore stations to improve maritime safety and security.
Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) #
Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC)
- Explanation: BWMC is an international treaty adopted by the IMO to prev… #
It requires ships to manage their ballast water to minimize the transfer of invasive species.
Collision Regulations (COLREGs) #
Collision Regulations (COLREGs)
- Explanation: COLREGs are a set of rules established by the IMO to preve… #
They define the actions and responsibilities of ship operators to ensure safe navigation and avoid accidents.
Detention of Ships #
Detention of Ships
- Explanation: Detention of ships occurs when a port state authority proh… #
It is a measure to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection.
ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) #
ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System)
FONAR (Failure of Necessary Action to Avoid Collision) #
FONAR (Failure of Necessary Action to Avoid Collision)
- Explanation: FONAR is a report submitted by a ship's master to the rele… #
It is used to investigate and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Garbage Management Plan #
Garbage Management Plan
- Explanation: A garbage management plan is a document outlining procedur… #
It aims to prevent pollution of the marine environment.
Hague #
Visby Rules
- Explanation: The Hague-Visby Rules are an international convention that… #
They establish rights and responsibilities of carriers and shippers, including liability limitations for loss or damage to cargo.
Incident Investigation #
Incident Investigation
- Explanation: Incident investigation involves examining the circumstance… #
It aims to improve safety and prevent similar accidents in the future.
Jones Act #
Jones Act
- Explanation: The Jones Act is a US federal law that regulates maritime… #
It requires vessels engaged in domestic trade to be built, owned, and crewed by US citizens.
Kyoto Protocol #
Kyoto Protocol
- Explanation: The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty under the UN… #
It aims to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development.
Load Line Convention #
Load Line Convention
- Explanation: The Load Line Convention is an international treaty that e… #
It aims to prevent overloading and ensure the seaworthiness of vessels.
MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships)<… #
MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships)
- Explanation: MARPOL is an international treaty adopted by the IMO to pr… #
It sets standards for the prevention of oil spills, garbage disposal, and emissions from vessels.
NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) Emissions #
NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) Emissions
- Explanation: NOx emissions are a type of air pollution produced by comb… #
IMO regulations, such as Tier III standards, limit the amount of NOx emissions to reduce environmental impact.
Oil Pollution Act (OPA) #
Oil Pollution Act (OPA)
- Explanation: The Oil Pollution Act is a US federal law that addresses o… #
It aims to protect the environment and ensure compensation for pollution incidents.
Port State Control (PSC) #
Port State Control (PSC)
- Explanation: PSC is a maritime regulatory system where port states insp… #
It helps to enforce maritime regulations and prevent substandard shipping.
Quarantine Measures #
Quarantine Measures
- Explanation: Quarantine measures are restrictions imposed on ships to p… #
They involve isolation, inspection, and health monitoring of crew and passengers to protect public health.
Ro #
Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Ships
- Explanation: Ro-Ro ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo, s… #
They facilitate efficient cargo handling and transportation.
SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) #
SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)
- Explanation: SOLAS is an international treaty that establishes minimum… #
It aims to ensure the safety of life at sea and prevent maritime accidents.
Tonnage Measurement #
Tonnage Measurement
- Explanation: Tonnage measurement is a system for calculating and regist… #
It is used for regulatory purposes, such as determining port dues and safety requirements.
UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) #
UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)
- Explanation: UNCLOS is an international treaty that governs the use of… #
It establishes maritime boundaries, rights and obligations of states, and conservation principles for sustainable ocean management.
Vessel Inspection Program #
Vessel Inspection Program
- Explanation: A vessel inspection program is a systematic process for as… #
It helps to ensure the seaworthiness and regulatory compliance of vessels.
Wreck Removal Convention #
Wreck Removal Convention
- Explanation: The Wreck Removal Convention is an international treaty th… #
It aims to prevent accidents and pollution from abandoned ships.
X #
Ray Container Inspection
- Explanation: X-ray container inspection is a technology used to scan sh… #
It enhances port security and helps prevent smuggling and terrorism.
Yacht Registration #
Yacht Registration
- Explanation: Yacht registration is the process of flagging a recreation… #
It determines the jurisdictional requirements, taxes, and regulations applicable to the yacht.
Zero Discharge Policy #
Zero Discharge Policy
- Explanation: A zero discharge policy prohibits the release of pollutant… #
It promotes sustainable practices and compliance with international regulations to protect the oceans.