Maritime law is a set of laws that protect the open seas and the people who use them. It regulates the use of the sea as a transportation resource, enacts laws to protect the sea, and regulates commerce with foreign countries.

Maritime law is also known as admiralty law. It is also referred to as the “law of the sea”. It is a collection of international conventions, most of which are accepted throughout the world.

The basic concept of maritime law is that all mariners have a duty to protect the lives of others in peril. In order to do so, they have to be able to operate safely. In addition, ships and equipment must be maintained properly. If they are not maintained properly, they will not operate safely. In addition, ship owners may be held liable for injuries to crew members.

Maritime law can also be used to protect passengers on a ship. Passengers who are injured can sue the ship owner for negligence. If the injury was caused by the owner’s negligence, the injured person will be awarded compensation. In addition, the injured person can receive compensation for medical expenses.

Passengers can also file claims for wrongful death on the high seas. These claims can be brought in state court. Generally, a wrongful death claim must be filed within three nautical miles of the shore. A cruise ship passenger may have only one year to file a lawsuit.