The following is a brief introduction to the topic

Even in ancient times, goods and materials were traded and shipped across the oceans. At that time, many provisions were also made to ensure the safe and secure trading of goods. Following the British government’s establishment, overseas trade increased, and there was also a fear of exploitation or theft of goods. [1]

The British government made several agreements to resolve maritime disputes and facilitate trade. The British government has drafted different laws to ensure maritime trade is safe.

There are specific conventions that deal with maritime law to prevent disputes. In the context of maritime law, many different directions are distinct from national laws. Some countries have different rules and jurisdictions that deal with naval law only.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for several agreements and accords imposed on a country’s navies, coast guards, and other forces. These are all governed by United Nations Organizations. Several other matters deal with maritime law, such as insurance claims and issues relating to ships, cargo, seafarers, and piracy.

What is maritime law? It regulates the transport of goods, shipping contracts, registration, inspection, and licensing. Why do countries require naval law? This law is a tool that helps to regulate and control maritime affairs and also helps to resolve various disputes. It is a regulator that prevents misbehavior and misuse by organizations.

What are the most common maritime disputes?

Even though there are laws and conventions, maritime disputes still occur between countries. There are several recent incidents relating to marine law. For example, conflicts between borders, such as the maritime boundary dispute between India and Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal, where Bangladesh’s maritime border was extended up to 118,813sq.

One example is the dispute over the maritime boundary of the South China Sea. In the context of maritime law, we are most likely to encounter naval boundary disputes. We may also come across disputes relating to maritime piracy, trafficking, and other maritime crimes.

The maritime boundary dispute

The dispute over maritime boundaries is the most recent naval law. The issue is taken very seriously by countries worldwide, as it affects their economic growth. These disputes result in the exploitation and dumping of goods through sea trade. The disagreement concerns jurisdiction; each country wants to profit from the claim. The coastal states are the main parties to maritime boundary disputes.

What is a maritime boundary? The maritime border is a division of the Earth’s surface water, either abstractly or empirically, where the national rights to marine resources are determined. It is found in adjacent and territorial waters. The maritime boundary can have economic, geographical, or strategic implications.

In addition, maritime boundary disputes define the boundaries or limits of distinct maritime zones that exist between or among different states. Discoursing the disputed area is mainly done for economic, commercial, and strategic purposes.

Illicit trafficking

Illicit trafficking is another common maritime dispute and is a matter of great concern for all countries. Illicit trafficking includes smuggling and trafficking in drugs, narcotics, and people, as well as activities such as exchanging weapons.

In recent years, the increase in traffic has been seen in coastal and marine areas. Most of the illicit trafficking is seen in the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and Suez Canal region. Most illegal activities occur in these seas and are shipped to other countries.

Shipping small arms and weapons to other countries by sea is the most important issue. The Indian Ocean region to the Arabian Peninsula and the eastern peninsula of countries such as Yemen, Afghanistan, Sudan, etc. These are the main hotspots of illicit trafficking that are connected via seas. Trafficking is illegal and can be done by duping or forcing the ships.

Conclusion

Many countries, and especially those in coastal areas, are concerned about maritime disputes. There are many laws, conventions, and agreements that have been enacted to resolve disputes, but there still needs to be more negotiation and arbitration between countries.

The international conventions, as well as the maritime laws of countries, must be rationalized in order to deal with this issue. The maritime disputes are the main reason why countries lose out on the use of marine resources.

Suggestions

Mediation and negotiation can be effective methods to solve disputes when both parties are willing to make an effort to resolve disputes.

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the International Court of Justice should play a greater role in providing finer recommendations about the solutions to maritime conflicts by determining the boundary conclusively by agreement or by a peaceful settlement that is provided under Article 33 of the UN Charter.