What I will learn?

• Identify and Interpret the primary sources of maritime law (international conventions, national legislation, case law) and their application to shipboard operations, specifically referencing key IMO instruments like SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and LLMC.
• Apply the legal requirements for safe navigation and watchkeeping, demonstrating an understanding of the legal implications arising from a breach of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).
• Determine the legal procedures and officer responsibilities following a marine casualty (e.g., collision, stranding, fire), including reporting requirements, collection of evidence, and cooperating with official investigations.
• Understand the legal framework of liability and indemnities concerning salvage, towage, and general average, and the Deck Officer's role in documenting and initiating these claims.
• Execute duties in compliance with marine pollution prevention laws, particularly MARPOL Annexes I, II, V, and VI, including the proper maintenance of records (e.g., Oil Record Book, Garbage Record Book) and reporting of pollution incidents.
• Implement security procedures in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and relevant maritime security laws.
• Recognize and interpret essential maritime documentation, including the Bill of Lading and Charter Party, and understand the basic legal relationship between the shipowner, charterer, and cargo interests.
• Analyze the legal rights and obligations of seafarers under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) concerning employment, working hours, and living conditions.
• Identify potential liabilities (criminal and civil) associated with the performance of Deck Officer duties and understand the professional and legal consequences of negligence or willful misconduct.