Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to IMO and International Maritime Law

• Historical development of maritime law.
• The role and structure of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
• Hierarchy of international maritime instruments: Conventions, Codes, Guidelines.
• Principles of international law and their application in maritime context.
• Overview of key IMO Conventions.
• Case Study: Analysis of a significant maritime legal case that influenced the development of an IMO Convention.

Module 2: Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention 

• Structure and chapters of SOLAS.
• Fire safety systems, life-saving appliances, and navigation equipment.
• Ship construction, stability, and load lines.
• Safety management systems (ISM Code) and ISM audits.
• Special requirements for specific ship types (e.g., passenger ships, bulk carriers).
• Hands-on Exercise: Review a ship's SOLAS-related safety equipment certificate and identify critical components.

Module 3: Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Convention 

• MARPOL Annexes I-VI: Oil, Noxious Liquid Substances, Harmful Substances in Packaged Form, Sewage, Garbage, Air Pollution.
• Requirements for pollution prevention equipment and procedures.
• Ballast water management and anti-fouling systems.
• Compliance with emission control areas (ECAs) and sulfur limits.
• Reporting and response to pollution incidents.
• Hands-on Exercise: Examine a ship's Oil Record Book and identify potential non-compliance entries.

Module 4: Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention 

• Purpose and structure of the STCW Convention.
• Requirements for seafarer training, certification, and medical fitness.
• Manning levels and watchkeeping standards.
• Port State Control inspections related to STCW.
• Preventing fatigue and promoting seafarer well-being.
• Study Tour (Virtual/Video): A virtual tour of a maritime training academy, showcasing STCW-compliant training facilities.

Module 5: Maritime Security: ISPS Code and Piracy 

• The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code: objectives and implementation.
• Ship Security Plans (SSP) and Port Facility Security Plans (PFSP).
• Threat assessments and security levels.
• Anti-piracy measures and best management practices (BMPs).
• Cybersecurity in the maritime domain.
• Group Activity: Develop a basic security risk assessment for a hypothetical port facility.

Module 6: Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) 

• Purpose and scope of the MLC, 2006.
• Seafarers' rights: employment conditions, health protection, social security.
• Onboard living and working conditions.
• Inspections and certification under MLC.
• Compliance for shipowners and Flag States.
• Case Study: Analyze a dispute related to seafarer employment conditions under the MLC.

Module 7: Load Lines and Tonnage Measurement 

• International Convention on Load Lines (ILLC): principles and application.
• Freeboard, stability, and strength requirements.
• Load line certificates and surveys.
• Tonnage Measurement Conventions: Gross Tonnage and Net Tonnage.
• Impact of tonnage on port dues and regulations.
• Hands-on Exercise: Interpret a load line mark on a ship's side and calculate available freeboard.

Module 8: Maritime Claims, Liability, and Insurance 

• Principles of maritime claims and jurisdiction.
• Limitation of liability for maritime claims (e.g., LLMC Convention).
• Pollution liability and compensation regimes (e.g., CLC, Fund Conventions).
• Marine insurance: Hull & Machinery, P&I, cargo insurance.
• Salvage and general average.
• Case Study: Examine a maritime casualty scenario and discuss the applicable liability conventions and insurance implications.

Module 9: Wreck Removal, Places of Refuge, and Emerging Issues 

• Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks.
• Principles of wreck removal and associated liabilities.
• Policy on Places of Refuge for ships in distress.
• Autonomous ships and their regulatory challenges.
• Polar Code: safety and environmental provisions for polar waters.
• Study Tour (Virtual/Video): A virtual tour focusing on a wreck removal operation and the challenges involved.

Module 10: Port State Control and Flag State Responsibilities 

• Role and responsibilities of Flag States in ensuring compliance.
• Port State Control (PSC) regimes (e.g., Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU).
• PSC inspections: procedures, deficiencies, detentions.
• Rights and obligations of ship masters during PSC inspections.
• IMO audit scheme and its implications for Flag States.
• Final Exercise: Participants conduct a mock Port State Control inspection on a provided ship profile, identifying potential deficiencies and justifying potential detention.