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Professional Diploma in International Maritime Law

This professional diploma gives you a complete understanding of the legal framework governing the oceans and maritime activities. You will work with UNCLOS, the IMO conventions, flag state obligations and liability issues, with case studies showing how the rules apply in practice.

100% online800 hours7 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This professional diploma gives you an overview of the legal framework that governs the oceans and maritime activities worldwide. It covers the key international conventions, bilateral treaties and case law, from the law of the sea to maritime trade and the regulation of shipping.

Its aim is to enable you to operate confidently in an increasingly complex and globalised maritime environment.

Programme highlights

  • Analysis of practical cases, with the study of international litigation and the resolution of maritime disputes.
  • A comparative approach to maritime law across different jurisdictions.
  • Continuous updating on trends and developments in maritime law.

Study plan

01Foundations of International Maritime Law and the Law of the Sea114 h
History and sources of maritime law, UNCLOS, the continental shelf and the high seas, international bodies (IMO, International Seabed Authority, ITLOS), jurisdiction, ship flags and port state powers.
02Legal Status of the Ship, Maritime Parties and Operating Contracts114 h
The ship as a legal object, the parties to maritime trade, master and crew, bareboat, time and voyage charters, and passenger and nautical tourism contracts.
03Legal Regime of the Carriage of Goods by Sea and Documentation114 h
Bills of lading, the Hague-Visby, Hamburg and Rotterdam Rules, maritime Incoterms, multimodal transport, electronic documentation and cargo claims.
04Shipping Casualties, Average and Maritime Liability114 h
Collisions, salvage, general average, wreck removal, limitation of liability, casualty investigation, and search and rescue.
05Environmental Maritime Law and Ocean Sustainability114 h
MARPOL, liability for pollution, hazardous and noxious substances, ballast water, ship recycling, sensitive sea areas and decarbonisation.
06Marine Insurance and Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs114 h
Fundamentals of marine insurance, hull and machinery policies, cargo insurance, P&I clubs, claims handling, implied warranties and reinsurance.
07Port Law, Maritime Security and Piracy114 h
Port regime, the ISPS Code, piracy, private security personnel on board, arrest of ships, competition in the sector and maritime cybersecurity.

Duration and format

800hours in total
7modules of 114 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 80 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 40.

What you will learn

  • Assess marine insurance policies, their cover and exclusions.
  • Interpret and apply international maritime conventions, such as SOLAS, on safety matters.
  • Manage international maritime litigation and arbitration, including documentation and evidence.
  • Master marine pollution regulations, in particular MARPOL.
  • Identify the competent jurisdiction and forum in contractual disputes, cargo claims and casualties.
  • Assess ship financing models and negotiate favourable contract terms.

Career outcomes

  • Lawyer specialising in maritime law.
  • Consultant in international maritime law.
  • Arbitrator or mediator in maritime disputes.
  • Legal adviser in international organisations.
  • Officer in maritime administrations.
  • Marine insurance manager.
  • Adviser in international trade and shipping.
  • Researcher or lecturer in maritime law.

Entry requirements

  • Profile: aimed at students, technicians and professionals in the naval, maritime, port and logistics fields. Specific requirements may vary by programme.
  • Language: sufficient command of the language of instruction; some supplementary resources are in English.
  • Documentation: valid identity document and complete personal details. Depending on the level, additional academic or professional documentation may be requested.
  • Technical requirements for online study: stable internet connection, up-to-date browser, PDF reader and basic office tools.

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

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