maritime

Maritime refers to matters related to the sea and oceans, including navigation, transport, commerce, and coastal activities. The term derives from the Latin maritimus, meaning “of the sea,” and is used to describe things associated with marine spaces and their use.

In practical terms, maritime encompasses the movement of goods and people by sea, port operations, shipbuilding and repair, maritime logistics, and offshore activities such as energy production and fishing. It covers a wide range of sectors, from merchant shipping and shipyards to fisheries, offshore oil and gas, and naval defense.

Maritime law governs rights and duties at sea. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines maritime zones, including the territorial sea up to 12 nautical miles, the contiguous zone up to 24 nautical miles, and the exclusive economic zone up to 200 nautical miles, as well as the continental shelf and the high seas beyond. International bodies, notably the International Maritime Organization (IMO), establish safety, security, navigation, and environmental standards, while coastal states enforce laws within their jurisdiction.

Maritime industries include merchant shipping, ports and logistics, shipbuilding and maintenance, fishing, offshore energy, and naval defense. Maritime history and archaeology study seafaring cultures, vessels, and trade networks across periods, while contemporary maritime transport underpins global commerce and cultural exchange.

Environmental and sustainability considerations in maritime practice include preventing pollution, protecting marine ecosystems, managing fisheries, and addressing climate-related impacts on sea levels, weather patterns, and shipping operations.