International Maritime Conventions

International treaties that establish shared legal frameworks for shipping, safety, pollution and maritime responsibility.

Many are developed under the International Maritime Organization, including SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, Load Lines and COLREG, while other maritime treaties arise through different international bodies. They cover subjects such as construction, equipment, operations, seafarer competence, environmental protection, liability and compensation.

A convention becomes binding for a State through the treaty’s entry-into-force and acceptance processes and is implemented through national law and administration. Not every State is party to every convention, amendments can have separate effect, and obligations must be checked against the applicable flag, port, coastal State and instrument.