COURSE OVERVIEW:

Maritime Law and Shipping Contracts is a high-level legal and commercial program focused on the contractual frameworks that govern the global shipping industry. This course examines the complex relationships between shipowners, charterers, brokers, and financiers, providing a technical analysis of the standard forms of contract used in international trade. It provides a deep dive into the legal principles of English Law, which remains the primary jurisdiction for the majority of maritime disputes and charterparty interpretations.

The scope of this training involves a detailed breakdown of Voyage, Time, and Bareboat charterparties, including the specific clauses that define the allocation of risk, cost, and time. Participants will explore the legal mechanics of "Notice of Readiness" (NOR), the calculation of "Laytime and Demurrage," and the implications of "Off-Hire" events. The program emphasizes the practical application of the Law of Agency and the Law of Contract in the negotiation and execution of fixtures.

Coverage includes the regulatory impact of international conventions such as MARPOL, SOLAS, and the MLC on contractual performance. The course addresses the complexities of "Frustration of Contract," "Force Majeure," and the legal consequences of vessel arrest and maritime liens. By blending legal theory with commercial reality, this course equips maritime executives and legal professionals with the expertise needed to draft, negotiate, and enforce shipping contracts with precision.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Explain the fundamental principles of Maritime Law and Jurisdiction.
2. Differentiate between Voyage, Time, and Bareboat charterparty structures.
3. Interpret standard contract forms such as NYPE, GENCON, and BARECON.
4. Calculate Laytime and Demurrage in accordance with contract terms.
5. Manage the legal requirements for a valid "Notice of Readiness" (NOR).
6. Analyze the implications of "Off-Hire" clauses in Time Charters.
7. Evaluate the rights and obligations under the Law of Agency for brokers.
8. Understand the legal nature and priority of Maritime Liens.
9. Navigate the complexities of "Force Majeure" and "War Clauses" in contracts.
10. Manage the contractual impact of international environmental regulations.
11. Implement effective "Safe Port" and "Safe Berth" warranties.
12. Oversee the resolution of disputes through Maritime Arbitration.
13. Draft bespoke clauses to mitigate specific commercial and legal risks.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Shipowners, Chartering Managers, Shipbrokers, Legal Counsel, and Commercial Directors.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.