Master’s Degree in International Maritime Law
Why this master’s programme?
The Master in International Maritime Law
This program offers an in-depth immersion into the legal framework governing the oceans and maritime activities globally. It equips professionals to address complex legal challenges in areas such as maritime trade, maritime security, marine environmental protection, and international dispute resolution. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of key treaties, conventions, and case law, as well as the skills needed to advise, negotiate, and litigate in this specialized field.
Differential Advantages
- Global Approach: Comparative analysis of maritime legal systems and their impact on international trade.
- Practical Experience: Arbitration and litigation simulations, real-world case studies, and applied research projects.
- Networking: Access to international experts, leading professionals, and networking opportunities in the maritime industry.
- Skills Development: Negotiation, legal writing, critical analysis, and effective communication in an international environment.
- Flexibility: Online format with multimedia resources and personalized tutoring to adapt to your professional needs.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Masters
- Hours: 1600 H
- Start date: 26-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Lawyers and Legal Advisors seeking to specialize in the complex web of maritime trade, transport, insurance, and international litigation.
- Maritime Sector Professionals (shipowners, shipping companies, freight forwarders, insurers) who need in-depth knowledge of the legal framework to optimize operations and mitigate risks.
- Public Officials and Diplomats involved in the drafting and implementation of international maritime treaties and regulations.
- Graduates in Law, Political Science, or Maritime Administration who wish to focus their careers on a high-demand field with global reach.
- Judges and Arbitrators interested in developing expertise in resolving international maritime disputes.
Academic Flexibility Adapted for active professionals: flexible online format access to digital resources 24/7 and personalized tutoring.
Objectives and skills
Providing legal advice on transnational maritime operations:
“To assess and mitigate contractual risks (chartering, sales, insurance) in accordance with international law and maritime conventions.”
Managing disputes and litigation in the international maritime sphere:
“Analyze marine insurance policies and manage claims with insurers and P&I Clubs.”
Mastering international regulations for maritime contracting:
“Prepare and negotiate charter contracts (Time Charter, Voyage Charter) and Bills of Lading in accordance with INCOTERMS and applicable laws.”
Assessing and mitigating legal risks in maritime freight transport:
Manage chartering contracts and marine insurance policies, identifying problematic clauses and ensuring adequate coverage against potential contingencies.
Analyze and apply maritime legislation in the context of marine safety and environmental protection:
“Interpret and apply MARPOL regulations to prevent pollution by hydrocarbons, harmful substances, sewage and garbage, ensuring compliance with discharge limits and proper waste management on board.”
Leading regulatory compliance strategies in the global maritime industry:
Implement and audit maritime safety management systems (MSMS) aligned with the ISM Code and other international regulations, promoting a proactive safety culture and continuous improvement.
Study plan – Modules
- International Regulatory Framework in Maritime Law: Sources, Hierarchy, and Scope of Application
- International Conventions: Detailed Analysis of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), SOLAS Convention, MARPOL, CMI, and Their Impact on the Regulation of Maritime Traffic
- Mechanisms for the Incorporation and Application of International Conventions in National Legal Systems
- International Organizations and Their Role in the Harmonization of Maritime Law: IMO, UNCITRAL, CMI, ITLOS
- Rules for the Admission, Ratification, and Denunciation of Maritime Conventions
- Principles of Dispute Resolution in International Maritime Trade: Maritime Arbitration, Mediation, and State Jurisdiction
- Specialized Tribunals and Jurisdiction: Comparative Analysis of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, Maritime Arbitral Tribunals, and National Courts
- Dispute Resolution Procedures: Arbitration Clauses, Admissible Arbitration Procedures, and Provisional Measures in Maritime Disputes
- Impact of Customs Legislation and International Trade Agreements on the Resolution of Maritime Disputes
- Study of Landmark Cases and Relevant Jurisprudence for the Interpretation of Conventions and Dispute Resolution in the Field of Maritime Foreign Trade
- Impact of International Sanctions, Embargoes, and Restrictions on Maritime Operations and Their Legal Resolution
- Practical Aspects of Negotiating and Drafting International Maritime Transport Contracts under the Current Regulatory Framework
- Civil and Criminal Liability Arising from Breaches of International Maritime Conventions
- Legal Risk Assessment in International Maritime Operations: Mitigation Strategies and Regulatory Compliance
- Innovations and Trends in International Maritime Regulation: Digitalization, Blockchain, and Their Impact on Dispute Resolution conflicts
- Fundamentals of Maritime Civil Liability: applicable legal theories and principles in the international sphere.
- Relevant international regulations: Brussels Convention 1924, Hague-Visby, Hamburg, and Rotterdam Conventions, and their impact on carrier liability.
- Legal framework of contractual and extra-contractual liability: differentiation and delimitations in maritime transport.
- Liability-limiting and exonerating clauses in maritime transport contracts: technical analysis and case studies.
- Liability for loss or damage to goods: due diligence standards, negligence, force majeure, and acts of third parties.
- Special damages and loss of profits in the maritime sphere: case law criteria and their quantification.
- Environmental liability In maritime transport: liability for pollution, spills, and oil leaks under the MARPOL Convention and supplementary regulations.
Marine insurance: structure, parties involved, and types of policies (all risks, general average, hull and machinery, civil liability).
Liability insurance in maritime transport: general conditions, exclusions, subrogation, and claims procedures.
Risk management mechanisms through insurance: analysis of the disclosure clause, double insurance, and coinsurance.
Legal procedures in maritime claims: notification, investigation, adjustment, and arbitration in liability and insurance claims.
Claims and defense of the shipowner, charterer, and shipper against claims for damages: practical aspects and procedural strategies.
Interaction between national legislation and international conventions in dispute resolution and the application of liability.
Innovations and trends in civil liability and maritime insurance: insurance Parametrics, technological applications, and blockchain in policy management.
Case studies of civil liability and insurance in maritime transport: detailed analysis of international court rulings and recognized arbitrations.
- Fundamentals of International Maritime Law: historical evolution, key concepts, and sources of law.
- Comprehensive analysis of the main international conventions applicable to maritime transport: SOLAS, MARPOL, CMR, Rotterdam Rules, and UNCTAD II.
- Legal regimes of the different modes of maritime transport: cargo, passengers, ships, and port terminals.
- Competencies and powers of international organizations: IMO, ILO, UNCITRAL, and the International Court of Justice.
- Regulations on maritime safety and pollution prevention: obligations and responsibilities under MARPOL and SOLAS.
- Contractual and extra-contractual liability in maritime transport: analysis of clauses, limits of liability, and consequential damages.
- International dispute resolution mechanisms: maritime arbitration, mediation, universal jurisdiction, and competent forums.
- Procedures and practical application of the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Arbitral Awards.
- Analysis of recent case law on civil liability and maritime claims.
- Impact of exoneration clauses and limitation of liability agreements on risk management.
- Legal aspects of maritime guarantees: ship mortgages, pledges, and sureties.
- Specialized study on environmental liability in maritime transport: spills, cleanup, and administrative penalties.
- Regulatory framework on marine insurance and its relationship to liability and dispute resolution.
- Judicial and administrative procedures in cases of maritime accidents: jurisdiction, evidence, and enforcement of judgments.
- Analysis of multilateral and bilateral treaties affecting the international operation of ships and crews.
- Implications of humanitarian and labor law in international maritime transport.
- Emerging trends in maritime regulation: digitalization, smart contracts, and electronic registries.
- Critical aspects of criminal liability and professional ethics in the international maritime sphere.
- Practical application of international conventions in daily risk management and regulatory compliance.
- Simulation of complex dispute resolution through alternative methods: arbitration and advanced mediation in Maritime Law.
- Legal Foundations of Maritime Contracts: analysis of charter parties, ship purchase agreements, and marine insurance contracts under the framework of international law and key conventions such as the CMI and UNCTAD.
- Maritime Financing Structures: detailed study of financing modalities, including naval leasing, syndicated loans, maritime bonds, and securitization of naval assets in global financial markets.
- Port Compliance and Regulation: advanced implementation of regulatory compliance policies (AML, KYC, international sanctions) in port operations in accordance with international and regulatory standards.
- International Arbitration Instruments and Protocols: regulatory and procedural framework of maritime arbitration under the rules of the ICC, UNCITRAL, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration, with an emphasis on the efficient resolution of cross-border maritime disputes.
- Legal Strategies for Management Contractual Risk Management: mitigation techniques using specific contractual clauses, financial guarantees, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Analysis of Controversial Cases and International Judicial Doctrine: critical review of relevant jurisprudence in maritime contracts and arbitration for the formulation of sound arguments and effective defenses.
Tax and Accounting Aspects in Maritime Finance: comprehensive advice on tax structure, asset valuation, and accounting regulations applicable to the international shipping industry.
Technological Integration in Port Compliance: use of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and monitoring systems for fraud prevention and strengthening corporate governance in ports and terminals.
Advanced Contract Negotiation and Drafting: specialized techniques for drafting complex maritime contracts, including force majeure clauses, jurisdiction, additional insurance, and performance commitments.
Multidisciplinary Management and Coordination Among Stakeholders: design of joint action protocols between operators, shipping companies, financial institutions, and regulatory authorities to optimize legal and operational security in the maritime logistics chain.
- Fundamentals of Global Maritime Governance: Multilateral Structures, Key Actors, and Mechanisms for International Cooperation
- International Regulatory Framework: The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its Impact on Maritime Regulation
- Maritime Environmental Legislation: Detailed Analysis of MARPOL, the London Convention, and Supplementary Protocols for the Protection of the Marine Environment
- Regulation of Pollutant Emissions in the Maritime Sector: IMO Guidelines and Regional Regulations on Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emission Control
- Legal Instruments for the Prevention and Control of Water Pollution in Port Areas and on the High Seas
- Civil and Criminal Liability in Maritime Pollution: Compensation Regimes, Indemnity Protocols, and International Litigation
- New Trends in Legal Security for International Transport: Regulatory Evolution and Technological Adaptation in Maritime Transport Contracts
- Impact of Digital Law and Blockchain in maritime documentation and traceability: electronic bills of lading and smart contracts
Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the maritime sector: maritime arbitration, mediation, and specialized tribunals
Contemporary challenges and future prospects for maritime governance: climate change, sustainability, and maritime security in a complex geopolitical environment
- International legal framework for maritime transport: SOLAS, MARPOL, CMR, UNCITRAL Conventions and their amendments
- International conventions on civil liability: CLC, Fund Convention, LLMC, Rotterdam Rules and practical implications
- Rules applicable to chartering and charter parties: charter party contracts, contracts of carriage, and issuance of bills of lading
- Liability and obligations of the parties: carrier, shipper, and shipping agent under international law and relevant case law
- Specialized dispute resolution mechanisms in the maritime sector: maritime arbitration, ad hoc tribunals, and proceedings before the United Nations Commission on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
- Jurisdiction and venue in international maritime transport: territorial jurisdiction, arbitration clauses, and recognition of foreign judgments
- Preventive risk management and environmental liability: analysis of bankruptcies, spills, pollution, and the regime of international fines and sanctions
- Marine insurance: policies, clauses, claims, and compensation mechanisms in disputes over maritime damage
- Claims, limitation, and exoneration procedures based on the Brussels Convention and subsequent protocols
- Impact of new technologies and digitalization on international regulations: electronic documents, blockchain in maritime transport, and regulatory adaptation
- International legal framework applicable to maritime transport: detailed analysis of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its influence on maritime delimitation and jurisdiction.
- Fundamental international conventions: comprehensive study of SOLAS, MARPOL, CMR, and the Brussels Convention, their protocols, amendments, and areas of practical application.
- Principles and rules on civil liability in maritime transport: carrier liability regimes, including the liability system based on the Maritime Traffic Act and the Hamburg Convention.
- Mechanisms for resolving international disputes: jurisdiction, maritime arbitration, and mediation in accordance with UNCITRAL rules and the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.
- Legal aspects of the maritime transport contract: technical analysis of bills of lading, their legal function, and the issues related to electronic bills of lading (e-BL).
- Supply chain regulations and liability for damages: legal implications for loading, unloading, stowage, and custody, including the Rotterdam Convention and the Visby Protocol.
- Marine pollution regulation and environmental liability: an in-depth study of obligations under MARPOL, the London Convention, and the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund (IOPC Fund).
- Legal impact of maritime safety and security protocols: a comprehensive assessment of the ISPS Code and its implications for operators, shipowners, and port authorities.
- Liability in maritime accidents: relevant case law and jurisprudence on collisions, groundings, shipwrecks, and maritime salvage under the international salvage regime (International Convention on Salvage).
- Comparative study of national legal systems and legislative models in maritime matters: an analysis of how the Different legal systems affect the interpretation and application of international agreements in commercial transactions.
[…]
- Legal framework of customs law: foundations, principles, and international regulatory sources applicable to maritime trade
- Special customs regimes: transit, customs warehousing, free trade zones, and their implications for port logistics
- Tariff classification and customs valuation: harmonized nomenclatures, valuation criteria, and rules of the system of trade preferences
- Customs procedures: clearance, inspection, release of goods, and dispute resolution in the maritime context
- Critical documentation in international trade: bill of lading, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and letters of credit
- Strategic management in maritime logistics: supply chain integration, intermodal coordination, and optimization of cargo flows
- Incoterms 2020: practical application in international sales contracts and responsibilities Customs
- International security and control regulations: implementation of the SOLAS and ISPS Conventions in customs and port operations
- Legal implications of digitalization in customs: e-commerce, single window, and automated document management systems
- Conflict and dispute resolution in maritime customs trade: arbitration, mediation, and jurisdictional procedures
- International legal framework: detailed analysis of the main conventions and treaties applicable to maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and the Convention on the Carriage of Goods by Sea (Hamburg and Rotterdam)
- Structure and application of maritime conventions: legal interpretation, normative hierarchy, and mechanisms for incorporation into national and regional legislation
- International regulatory institutions and bodies: functions, powers, and procedures of bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), and specialized committees
- Mechanisms for preventing and managing conflicts in the maritime sphere: identification of legal risks, litigation prevention, and bilateral and multilateral negotiation in conventions
- Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in maritime matters: arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, with emphasis on regulations of ICSID, LMAA, and UNCITRAL
Judicial procedures and competent jurisdiction: analysis of international tribunals, concurrent jurisdiction, preferred forums, and arbitration clauses in maritime contracts
Case studies and relevant jurisprudence: a study of landmark judgments and their impact on the interpretation and application of maritime conventions
Compliance and due diligence in maritime regulation: obligations of the parties, legal audits, and prevention of international sanctions
Impact of digitalization and new technologies on maritime regulation and dispute resolution: blockchain, smart contracts, and their legal validity
Future perspectives and regulatory trends: adaptations of international maritime law to challenges such as environmental sustainability, cybersecurity, and global maritime security
- Legal Foundations of International Maritime Law: Historical Evolution and Key Normative Sources (United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea – UNCLOS, IMO Conventions, International Coastal Law)
- In-depth Analysis of Maritime Jurisdiction and Sovereignty in Maritime Zones: Territorial Sea, Exclusive Economic Zone, Continental Shelf, and High Seas
- Legal Framework for Environmental Protection in Sustainable Maritime Management: MARPOL, London Convention, and Specific Regional Regulations
- Civil and Criminal Liability in Maritime Incidents: Spills, Collisions, and Marine Pollution with a Focus on International Compensation Mechanisms (Damage Compensation Fund, P&I Clubs)
- Design and Implementation of Legal Strategies for Maritime Security: Port Inspection Regime, Port State Control, and PCP Audits
- Regulation and Compliance in Maritime Risk Management: Analysis of ISM and ISPS Systems and their Integration with International and national regulations
Advanced maritime dispute resolution: international arbitration, specialized maritime tribunals, and proceedings before the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Regulation of legal certainty in complex maritime contracts: chartering, international sale of ships, and marine insurance policies
Practical application of International Maritime Law in the coordinated protection of marine resources and biodiversity on the high seas
Preparation and defense of the Master’s Thesis: design, advanced legal research, and presentation of real-world cases applied to sustainable management and legal certainty in the international maritime sphere
Career prospects
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- International Maritime Lawyer: Legal advice on maritime trade, insurance, claims, and litigation.
- Maritime Law Consultant: Analysis and consulting for shipping companies, ports, and public administrations.
- Legal Advisor to International Organizations: Work with organizations such as the IMO, UNCLOS, and the EU on the development and implementation of maritime regulations.
- Maritime Arbitrator: Dispute resolution through international arbitration, mediation, and conciliation.
- Marine Insurance Manager: Risk assessment and management, claims, and marine insurance policies.
- Compliance Officer: Ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations in companies and organizations.
- Academic/Researcher: Teaching and research at universities and centers specializing in maritime law.
- Public Official: Work in national or international maritime administrations, managing policies and regulations.
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Entry requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering or a related qualification; or proven professional experience on the bridge/in operations.
Language proficiency:
Functional Maritime English (SMCP) recommended for simulations and technical materials.
Documentation:
Updated CV, copy of qualification or seaman’s book, national ID/passport, motivation letter.
Technical requirements (for online):
Device with camera/microphone, stable internet connection, monitor ≥ 24” recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admissions process and dates
Online
application
(form + documents).
Academic review and interview
Admissions decision
Admissions decision
(+ scholarship offer if applicable).
Place reservation
(deposit) and enrolment.
Induction
(access to the virtual campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and financial support
- Comprehensive Mastery: Delve into global maritime law, from the law of the sea to international transport and trade.
- Practical Approach: Learn through real-world cases and simulations, preparing you for the legal challenges of the maritime sector.
- International Experts: Receive training from prestigious lawyers and professionals with experience in maritime litigation and consulting.
- Networking: Expand your professional network by connecting with peers and experts from around the world.
- Global Perspective: Gain a complete overview of maritime law, including aspects of insurance, liability, and security. environmental.
Testimonials
The Master’s in International Maritime Law provided me with the specialized tools and knowledge to successfully lead the negotiation of a complex time charter agreement, securing advantageous terms for my company and confidently navigating the intricacies of international maritime law. This achievement resulted in significant cost optimization and strengthened our market position.
During my Master’s degree in Maritime Law and Governance, I excelled in developing a final project on maritime boundary delimitation, applying the principles of international law of the sea with an innovative approach to interstate mediation. This work was praised by the examining board for its academic rigor and practical potential for resolving maritime disputes, allowing me to obtain the highest possible grade and opening doors to professional opportunities in the sector.
This master’s degree provided me with the necessary tools to analyze and resolve complex legal issues in the international maritime field. Thanks to the academic rigor and practical approach of the program, I secured a position at a prestigious firm specializing in maritime law, where I advise international clients on matters of transport, insurance, and maritime litigation.
The Master’s in International Maritime Law provided me with the necessary tools to lead the negotiation of a time charter contract with a major shipping company, successfully securing favorable terms for my client and mitigating significant legal risks that would have resulted in losses of millions.
Frequently asked questions
International Maritime Law
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
International Maritime Law
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Legal Foundations of International Maritime Law: Historical Evolution and Key Normative Sources (United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea – UNCLOS, IMO Conventions, International Coastal Law)
- In-depth Analysis of Maritime Jurisdiction and Sovereignty in Maritime Zones: Territorial Sea, Exclusive Economic Zone, Continental Shelf, and High Seas
- Legal Framework for Environmental Protection in Sustainable Maritime Management: MARPOL, London Convention, and Specific Regional Regulations
- Civil and Criminal Liability in Maritime Incidents: Spills, Collisions, and Marine Pollution with a Focus on International Compensation Mechanisms (Damage Compensation Fund, P&I Clubs)
- Design and Implementation of Legal Strategies for Maritime Security: Port Inspection Regime, Port State Control, and PCP Audits
- Regulation and Compliance in Maritime Risk Management: Analysis of ISM and ISPS Systems and their Integration with International and national regulations
Advanced maritime dispute resolution: international arbitration, specialized maritime tribunals, and proceedings before the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Regulation of legal certainty in complex maritime contracts: chartering, international sale of ships, and marine insurance policies
Practical application of International Maritime Law in the coordinated protection of marine resources and biodiversity on the high seas
Preparation and defense of the Master’s Thesis: design, advanced legal research, and presentation of real-world cases applied to sustainable management and legal certainty in the international maritime sphere
Request information
Complete the Application Form.
Attach your CV/degree certificate (if you have it to hand).
Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you would like the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
An academic advisor will contact you within 24–48 hours to guide you through the admission process, scholarships, and compatibility with your professional schedule.
Faculty
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.