The legal frameworks governing the oceans and maritime activities: Disciplinary foundations

Aix-Marseille University

The course provides an introduction to the legal frameworks governing the oceans and maritime activities. Students explore the main sources of international and European maritime law, the institutions involved in ocean governance, and the mechanisms used to resolve maritime disputes. Particular attention is given to the role of international conventions, regional governance frameworks and judicial institutions in regulating maritime activities and protecting marine environments. The module combines theoretical legal analysis with examples of contemporary maritime disputes and governance challenges.

This module introduces the main legal frameworks governing maritime areas at the international and European levels. It is organised into two complementary parts. International and European Law of the Sea : This section presents the key principles and institutions of the international law of the sea, including maritime zones, the legal status of marine spaces, and the regulatory framework established by international conventions and European law. International and European Maritime Litigation : This section focuses on dispute settlement mechanisms in the law of the sea, including international courts and tribunals, arbitration procedures, and legal conflicts related to maritime governance.

Credits

N/A

EQF

7-8

Languages

French

This course is part of the postgraduate diploma DESU Sustainable International Ocean Governance at Aix-Marseille University. The course provides the legal foundations necessary to understand the governance of seas and oceans. It introduces the fundamental principles of the international and European law of the sea, as well as the main mechanisms used to resolve disputes related to maritime issues.Through an overview of legal concepts, institutions and judicial mechanisms, students gain the essential legal knowledge required to analyse contemporary ocean governance challenges.

Semester

N/A

Duration

18 hours, one week intensive module

D1. Knowledge and understanding

Students acquire knowledge of the legal principles and institutional frameworks governing maritime spaces at the international and European levels.

D2. Applying knowledge and understanding

Students learn to analyse maritime governance issues through the legal frameworks of international and European law.

D3. Making judgments

Students develop the ability to critically assess legal mechanisms and institutional arrangements related to maritime governance and dispute settlement.

D4. Communication skills

Students develop their ability to discuss and present legal issues related to ocean governance in academic and professional contexts.

D5. Learning skills

Students strengthen their ability to engage with complex legal frameworks and interpret legal texts related to maritime governance.

The admission requirements are as follows:
– initial training: four or five years of higher education
– continuing education: after review of their application, professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and relevant professional experience may be admitted to enroll.

Lectures Face-to-face

Oral exam

The module aims to provide students with the fundamental legal knowledge necessary to understand international and European ocean governance. By the end of the course, participants will be able to analyse the main legal principles, institutions and dispute settlement mechanisms governing the law of the sea.

https://dice.univ-amu.fr/fr/node/237
http://dice.univ-amu.fr/dice/ceric

The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievements of the following goals: Goal 14: Life below water, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 4: Quality Education

Administrative reference : Gaëlle DUPRÉ : gaelle.dupre[@]univ-amu.fr
Applications on Ecandidat from September to December: https://candidatures.univ-amu.fr/candidatures/#!accueilView

The module is organised over one week and combines an introductory session and a series of lectures addressing the legal foundations of ocean governance.

Introduction to the law of the sea (2 hours)

Overview of the historical development and institutional framework of international ocean governance.

International and European law of the sea (8 hours)
  • Legal status of maritime zones
  • Jurisdiction of coastal states and international waters
  • International conventions governing maritime spaces
  • European maritime legal framework
International and European maritime dispute settlement (8 hours)
  • International courts and tribunals dealing with maritime disputes
  • Arbitration mechanisms in the law of the sea
  • Examples of maritime disputes related to ocean governance and environmental protection.

Texts and reference bibliography for the course will provided by the professors