Maritime commercial law is a branch of law that ensures the proper conduct of these commercial activities and the safety of navigation on the seas. This branch of law deals with a wide range of issues from the registration of ships, maritime accidents, cargo transportation to the rights of maritime personnel. The rules of law regulating maritime trade at both national and international level aim to ensure the safe, fair and efficient functioning of the maritime sector.

Scope of Maritime Law

Maritime law includes regulations in many different areas:

• Legal Status of Ships: Registration of ships, right to fly the flag and registration procedures.
• Sea Transportation: Contracts for the carriage of cargo, transportation responsibilities and freight (transportation fee) rules.
• Marine Accidents: Legal regulations to be applied in situations such as collision, sinking, rescue and assistance.
• Marine Insurance: Rules on the insurance of ships and cargoes carried.
• Maritime Labor Law: Rights, working conditions, job security and social rights of maritime personnel.
• Port and Strait Management: Loading and unloading operations in ports and rules of passage through straits.

Importance of Maritime Law

• It is the Guarantee of International Trade: As a large part of global trade is conducted by maritime transportation, this branch of law secures commercial transactions.
• Ensures Maritime Security: It contributes to the prevention of maritime accidents through rules on safety of navigation.
• Protects the Rights of Seafarers: Ensures job security by determining the rights of individuals working in the maritime sector.
• Protects the Environment: It includes various regulations to prevent marine pollution and ensure sustainable maritime transportation.

Maritime law is an important branch of law that both regulates maritime transportation and determines the rights and obligations of all parties involved in maritime law.