ON NOVEMBER 13, 2020 I had the chance to join an inaugural online lecture on International Maritime Law with Professor Alejandro Sanchez Frias from the University of Malaga in Spain. It was organized by the University of San Agustin – College of Law.
The online talk was attended by 3rd Year law students of the University, its faculty members and the guest participants – faculty and students of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU).
A general introduction on International Maritime Law was discussed by Professor Frias, including the important laws and treaties in the Law of the Sea.
We know that the oceans occupy 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. It is generally too vast and deep to know everything.
The ocean has always been an important source of food for people and animals. It was declared free for all. It belonged to no one until the world initiated claims over outside national boundaries and resources. Nevertheless, no country has jurisdiction over the seas and it is necessary for nations to reach agreements and treaties on how to deal with ships, their crews and cargoes when disputes arise. Thus, the Maritime Law was born.
Maritime Law is also known as Admiralty Law. International rules for the oceans and the seas are known as the Law of the Sea. These are laws, conventions and treaties govern maritime business and nautical matters.
Professor Frias discussed the importance of such laws, treaties and agreements between countries as well as our domestic laws in preserving the rights and sovereignty of the State in the conservation and protection of its resources.
The lecture was part of the CALESA Project or the Capacity Building for Legal and Social Advancement in the Philippines in which the University of San Agustin through its College of Law is one of the partner universities. It is a three-year Erasmus + Capacity Building for Legal and Social Advancement in the Philippines (CALESA).
The consortium involves the following Universities: Universidad de Malaga, Universidad Deusto de Bilbao, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, University Central College Dublin and on the Philippine side: University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, University of San Agustin, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and the Philippine Judicial Academy, Supreme Court.
I want to express my gratitude. Awareness on Maritime Law has been raised to another level. This is an achievement that aims to promote maritime safety and strengthen the countries’ rule of law and justice system.
In recent years there has been a surge in maritime issues that endangered the welfare of seafarers and the security of navigation and maritime commerce. Therefore, having this lecture both to the law profession and maritime industry provides more venues to explore and develop future maritime administration./PN
