Maritime Law

Maritime law often called the “Law of the Sea” forms the legal backbone that governs human activity on the world’s oceans and coastal waters. For a nation like India, with an extensive 11,098.81-kilometre coastline, strong maritime legal frameworks are essential not only for national security but also for sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental protection.

At C.A.R.c.E., we recognise that effective maritime governance depends on a clear understanding and application of both international and national legal frameworks. Maritime law encompasses a wide spectrum of critical issues: navigational rights, coastal state jurisdiction, resource management, environmental conservation, maritime security, search and rescue operations, and dispute resolution.

Our focus is to bridge the gap between legal principles and practical implementation through research, policy advocacy, and community outreach. By empowering coastal communities with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities under maritime law, we aim to foster safer waters, secure livelihoods, and informed citizen participation.

Key Areas of Focus

International Legal Frameworks
We explore major international conventions and agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which establish rules for maritime boundaries, Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), and navigational freedoms. We work to make these complex legal structures accessible and relevant to local communities, stakeholders, and future maritime leaders.
National Maritime Legislation
India’s maritime governance is guided by a range of national laws and policies that address coastal security, marine resource management, port regulation, and environmental safeguards. Our initiatives examine how these laws are implemented and how they can be strengthened to ensure holistic and inclusive coastal development.
Coastal Community Empowerment
Legal awareness is a key pillar of our mission. We conduct awareness drives, workshops, and interactive programs to help coastal communities understand their legal rights regarding fishing zones, disaster management, environmental protection, and marine safety regulations.
Security and Governance
Maritime law plays a crucial role in ensuring national security by regulating surveillance, patrolling, and response mechanisms to address threats like illegal fishing, piracy, trafficking, and other transnational crimes. We advocate for robust legal mechanisms that protect both people and the ecosystem.
Research and Policy Innovation
Through in-depth legal research, we seek to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities in existing frameworks. Our think-and-do approach allows us to generate actionable policy recommendations and collaborate with government bodies, legal experts, and international partners to shape resilient maritime governance structures.