Department of Marine Law
The Department of Marine Law at Saveetha School of Law is a dynamic and innovative centre of excellence dedicated to the study, research, and practice of maritime law. With a multidisciplinary approach that integrates insights from law, maritime studies, environmental science, international relations, and economics, the department offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of maritime law and policy.
Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, encompasses a wide range of legal principles, regulations, and practices governing activities at sea, maritime commerce, marine environmental protection, maritime security, and international maritime relations. The Department of Marine Law provides students with a deep understanding of these complex issues and their implications for global maritime governance, trade, and sustainability.
One of the distinguishing features of the Department of Marine Law is its interdisciplinary approach, which reflects the interconnected nature of maritime activities and their impact on various sectors of society. Faculty members bring diverse expertise from fields such as law, maritime studies, oceanography, marine biology, geopolitics, and economics, enriching the learning experience and enabling students to explore the multifaceted dimensions of maritime law.
The curriculum offered by the Department of Marine Law covers a wide range of topics relevant to maritime law and policy, including:
International Maritime Law: Students learn about the international legal framework governing maritime activities, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), treaties, conventions, and customary international law principles. They explore issues such as maritime boundaries, navigation rights, piracy, marine pollution, and fisheries management.
Maritime Commerce and Trade: The department offers courses on maritime commerce, shipping law, maritime insurance, charterparties, bills of lading, and carriage of goods by sea. Students gain insight into the legal and commercial aspects of maritime transportation, logistics, and trade facilitation.
Marine Environmental Law: With growing concerns about marine pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, the department provides students with a deep understanding of marine environmental law and policy. Students learn about regulations governing pollution prevention, marine conservation, ecosystem management, and the protection of marine biodiversity.
Maritime Security and Piracy: The department explores legal issues related to maritime security, piracy, armed robbery at sea, and counter-piracy measures. Students examine international efforts to combat maritime crime, including the legal framework for prosecuting pirates and enhancing maritime security cooperation.
Maritime Dispute Resolution: Students learn about mechanisms for resolving maritime disputes, including arbitration, mediation, and adjudication. They gain practical skills in negotiation, dispute resolution, and advocacy in the context of maritime disputes. Through a combination of classroom instruction, research projects, internships, and experiential learning opportunities, students in the Department of Marine Law develop the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to pursue careers in maritime law, international law firms, government agencies, maritime organisations, shipping companies, and environmental NGOs.