Maritime Law: Course Details, Admission 2024, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Subjects, Exams, Jobs & Salary

Updated on Oct 4, 2024 01:10 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Maritime Law deals with disputes that happen on open water, related to Government or Private Business. In India, it is a sought-after course by Navy personnel and Cargo Transporters who wish to understand the legal nuances of handling ships. With an increase in the volume of trade between nations, maritime law is an essential area of specialisation for professionals working in the commercial and logistics sector.

India has a long and rich maritime history, and its maritime trade plays a crucial role in the country's economy. As a result, a robust body of maritime law is essential to ensure the smooth operation of the shipping industry, protect the environment, and ensure the safety of life at sea. This two-year postgraduate program prepares professionals for the essential role of maritime law in commercial and logistics sectors as international trade continues to grow.

Eligibility for Maritime Law is a degree in law (LLB) from a recognized university. Some of the top Maritime Law institutes include Nalsar University of Law, GNLU Gandhi Nagar, Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur, etc. Top Maritime Law entrance exams for Maritime Law courses in India are CLAT, AILET, LSAT, etc.

Maritime Law Course Details: Highlights

This comprehensive Maritime Law course offers a deep dive into the legal framework governing the vast and dynamic world of shipping, trade, and navigation. The table mentioned below gives you a quick review of the course:

Particulars

Details

Degrees

LLM and Diploma

Course Fee

INR 6K - INR 1 Lakh

Top Entrance Exams

CLAT, AILET, LSAT etc.

Top Colleges

Nalsar University of Law, GNLU Gandhi Nagar, Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur, TNDALU, etc.

Job Profiles

Maritime Lawyer, Maritime Lawyer, Maritime Consultant etc.

Average Salary

INR 2 LPA - INR 6 LPA

Top Recruiters

Khaitan & Co., Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, Barucha & Partners, Kochhar & Co. etc.

NOTE: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Relevant Information For CLAT 2025:

CLAT UG Vs CLAT PG: Key Differences in exam Pattern, Syllabus and Other Important Details

 

Q:   What is Maritime Law?

A:

The Maritime Law course teaches the candidates about laws that govern the sea and coastal areas of a country. Candidates who wish to acquire specialized knowledge about shipping law and related matters can take up this course.

What is Maritime Law Course?

Maritime Law course is a specialization that is mostly offered at the master’s level. In India, LLM in Maritime law is offered by prestigious government colleges like NLUs and private colleges like Symbiosis Law School. Admiralty and Maritime Law course provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing the vast and dynamic maritime industry.  

For instance, It includes both domestic law on maritime activities, and private international law governing the relationships between private entities that operate vessels on the oceans. It covers wide range of legal issues and topics that are taught in this course, which includes core subjects such as, International Maritime Law, Shipping Law, Admiralty Law, Cargo Transportation Law and Marine Environmental Law. With some additional subjects also that includes, Maritime Labour Law, Port Law, Dispute Resolution in Maritime Law, and Emerging Trends in Maritime Law etc.   

Maritime Law is a specialized area of law that is highly regulated and enforced by international conventions, national laws, and administrative agencies. It is an important field of law that helps ensure the safe and efficient operation of the global maritime industry.

Maritime Law Relevant Information:

How to enroll with State Bar Councils for AIBE exam? Fees, Documents Required, Eligibility

Q:   What is taught in Maritime Law course?

A:

In the Maritime Law course, candidates learn laws related to the international sale of goods, national maritime law, legislation drafting, environmental laws, piracy, maritime insurance, laws governing the carriages of various goods that take place through the sea and the law of contracts.

Maritime Law Admission Process

Read below about the Maritime Law admission process:

  • Research Institutions: Identify institutions offering Maritime Law courses.
  • Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum academic requirements (e.g., graduation, specific subjects).
  • Prepare for Entrance Exams: If applicable, study for entrance exams like CLAT, LSAT, or institutional-level tests.
  • Submit Application: Complete the application form with necessary documents (e.g., transcripts, certificates, essays).
  • English Proficiency: Provide English proficiency test scores (if required).
  • Interviews: Attend interviews if part of the selection process.
  • Wait for Results: Await notification of acceptance or rejection.

Read About Maritime Law Course Also Known as Admiralty Law:

Admiralty Law Course

Maritime Law Eligibility Criteria

Below are some eligibility criteria based on the various Marine Law courses are as follows:

Diploma in Maritime Law/ Maritime Law Certificate Courses

  • 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks
  • Some institutions may require specific subjects like English, Maths, or Science

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with a Specialisation in Maritime Law

  • Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks
  • Some institutions may require specific subjects like English, Maths, or Science
  • Entrance exams like CLAT, LSAT, or institutional-level entrance exams may be required

Maritime Law Masters Degree or Admiralty Law (LLM)

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree with a minimum of 50% marks
  • Some institutions may require specific subjects like Maritime Law or related fields
  • Entrance exams like CLAT, LSAT, or institutional-level entrance exams may be required

PhD in Maritime Law

  • Master of Laws (LLM) degree with a minimum of 50% marks
  • Research proposal and entrance exams may be required
  • Some institutions may require relevant work experience or publications

Some colleges, like NALSAR Hyderabad, offer PG diploma in Advanced Maritime Law. For such course, the eligibility is a Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent Degree in any discipline from any recognized University or completion of three years of the 5-year integrated LLB Degree programme in Law.

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria to pursue Maritime law?

A:

Maritime law is mostly offered at the PG level i.e LLM Maritime Law. Hence, candidates must have a UG law degree from a recognized institute in India. They must have a minimum of 50% marks in the qualifying exam.

Top Maritime Law Entrance Exams 2025

Some of the top entrance exams that can be attempted to qualify and secure a seat in Maritime Law courses are as under:

 Maritime Law Exams 2025

 Maritime Law Exam Schedule 2025

SLS AIAT

SLS AIAT Schedule

CLAT 2025

CLAT 2024 Schedule

LSAT India 2025

LSAT India Schedule

AILET 2025

AILET 2025 Schedule

AIBE 19

AIBE 19 Schedule 

NOTE: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

Check the complete list of law entrance exams in India.  

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

15 Dec ' 24

AIBE 19 admit card Date 2024

22 Dec ' 24

AIBE 19 exam date 2024

9 Dec ' 24 - 10 Dec ' 24

CLAT 2025 Final Answer Key

10 Dec ' 24

CLAT 2025 Result

To Be Notified:

MH CET Law 2025 Application (for 3-year LLB)

To Be Notified:

MH CET Law 2025 Application (for 5-year LLB)

Q:   What are the various entrance exams for admission to Maritime Law?

A:

CUSAT CAT LLM is one of the most recognized entrance exams for this course.

Maritime Law Subjects

The subjects offered in LLM (Maritime Law) are as follows along with their subject descriptions to study maritime law:

SUBJECT

SUBJECT DESCRIPTION

Research Methods and Legal Writing

This course introduces to the nuances of research methodology and legal research. It also deals with the preparation of research proposals and thesis preparation.

International Law and Law of the Sea

It deals with the sources of international law and the law of the sea which regulates peace and sea at sea as well as dispute settlements.

Law and Justice in a Globalizing World

Students are introduced to the various legal systems around the world and the principles of public law.

 

Shipping Laws and Regulations

It is related to the laws of shipping and cargo management. It introduces students to the concept of carriage of goods and passengers by sea and the shipping law of India.

Law of Marine Environment and IMO Conventions

It deals with various international maritime organisation and the protection of marine life. It also focuses on laws for the ocean and climate and the liability of ships for causing pollution.

Maritime Labour Law

The subject introduces international laws related to employment in ships and conditions of welfare and protection in ships.

Law of Maritime Dispute Resolution

It deals with the nature of Maritime Law and the methods to deal with compensation and limitation claims arising during ship accidents.

Comparative Public Law and Systems of Governance

It deals with the nature of the Indian Constitution and the principles of the federal system. It also throws light upon the various rights given under the constitution.

Law of Carriage

It deals with the laws related to multi-modal transportation of goods via sea, rivers, land and air.

Note: Moreover, there are no such Maritime Law courses online as per the records. 

Relevant Information For CLAT 2025:

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110+ Important Vocabulary Words for CLAT Exam 2025

CLAT Logical Reasoning section 2025

 

Q:   What are the various courses available in Maritime Law other than LLM?

A:

Some colleges, like NALSAR Hyderabad, offer a PG diploma in Advanced Maritime Law. For such course, the eligibility is a Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent degree in any discipline from any recognized University or completion of three years of the 5-year integrated LLB Degree program in Law.

Best Maritime Law Colleges

Aspiring lawyers seeking to navigate the complex legal landscape of the seas should consider enrolling in a top-notch maritime law colleges as mentioned in the table given below:

Institutes

Tuition Fees

Gujarat Maritime University

INR 1.2 L

Raffles University

INR 1.5 L

Nalsar University of Law

INR 30,000 - 80,000

Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur

INR 25,000

NOTE: This information is sourced from official website/ counselling body and may vary.

30 K - 80 K

#3 NIRF

1.2 L
6 LPA

#8 NIRF

1 Course
50.94 K
7 LPA

#31 NIRF

#34 NIRF

2 Courses
40 K
8.5 LPA

Top 10 in Tamil Nadu

1 Course

Q:   What are the various colleges that offer Maritime Law course in India?

A:

LLM in Maritime law is offered by colleges like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad NLU New Delhi, GNLU Gandhinagar, Symbiosis Law School, etc.

Q:   What is the scope of doing LLM in maritime law?

A:

Post the degree, maritime lawyers find work at ship-owning companies, insurance companies, P&I clubs, law firms, advisory positions in governments, port authorities and any other institution that fall under either private or public sector and deals with maritime and transport law.

There are very few maritime legal firms in India and even out of that, most are based out of Mumbai. There are ten different coastal jurisdictions across the country. However each district, like Ahmedabad, Cochin, etc. deal with their own marine legalities separately.

However, no such law applies to Mumbai. Its jurisdiction spans the entire country. While litigations are seldom carried out, when they are carried out, they are usually carried out on huge quantity of goods which are mostly worth crores. Maritime lawyers are also need to represent parties undertaking proceedings on the arrest or release of a maritime vessel, retrieving fees or asking for compensation from vessel owners in event of an accident, collision or sinking.

Apart from this, the maritime lawyers need to look into varied amount of matters like evaluating the liability of ferrying goods or the environmental case of exploiting fish stocks in the sea.

Popular Private Maritime Law Colleges in India

1.35 L
4 LPA
30 K - 80 K

#3 NIRF

1.2 L
6 LPA

#8 NIRF

1 Course
50.94 K
7 LPA

#31 NIRF

#34 NIRF

2 Courses
40 K
8.5 LPA

Top 10 in Tamil Nadu

Maritime Law Jobs, Salary and Top Recruiters

Professionals having postgraduate degree in Maritime Law can work under the following job profiles that are mentioned below, along with their average salary per annum for respective Maritime Law jobs:

Maritime Law Jobs Job Description
Maritime Law Salary (INR)
Maritime Lawyer Provides legal advice and representation to clients involved in maritime disputes, including cargo damage, charter party breaches, collisions, and marine insurance claims. 3 - 6 LPA
Legal Counsel (Shipping Company) Acts as an in-house legal advisor for shipping companies, ensuring compliance with maritime regulations, drafting contracts, and managing legal risks. 3.6 - 4.5 LPA
Legal Associate (Maritime Law Firm) Assists senior lawyers in maritime law firms with research, drafting legal documents, case preparation, and client communication. 2.5 - 4.0 LPA
Admiralty Lawyer Specializes in legal issues arising from maritime accidents, salvage operations, collisions, and pollution at sea. 4 - 7 LPA
Marine Insurance Lawyer Deals with legal aspects of marine insurance policies, representing clients in claims disputes and ensuring proper coverage. 3.5 - 5.5 LPA
Port Authority Lawyer Advises port authorities on legal matters related to port operations, contracts with shipping companies, and regulatory compliance. 3.2 - 5.0 LPA
Chartering Lawyer Provides legal expertise related to ship chartering agreements, negotiating terms, and resolving disputes between shipowners and charterers. 4.0 - 6.0 LPA

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

Maritime Law Scope Relevant Information : 

Maritime Law Top Recruiters

Many public and private organizations hire professionals having experience in Maritime Law such as:

  • International Maritime Organization
  • AP Moller- Maersk Group
  • Eastern Pacific Shipping Limited
  • Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Maritime Law Relevant Information : 

Career in Law

Maritime Law Course: Study Abroad

Below mentioned are some of the top International Maritime Law colleges, it can be pursued in some of the top nations worldwide providing best education on Maritime Law:

Top Maritime Law Colleges in UK

University of Southampton

Swansea University

Queen Mary University of London

Top Maritime Law Colleges in USA

Tulane University Law School

University of Washington School of Law

University of Miami School of Law

Top Maritime Law Colleges in Singapore

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Singapore Management University (SMU) 

Q:   What is the scope of Maritime Law course?

A:

Candidates who study maritime law can choose any of these job profiles to have a career: Legal Counsel, Maritime Law Advocate, Legal Advisor of Maritime Law. 

Candidates can find employment in areas like Ship Owning Companies, Insurance Companies, Law Firms, Port Authorities, Private and Public dealings in Maritime transportation, etc.

Q:   What job profiles are available after completing Maritime Law?

A:

 Candidates can become Legal Counsel, Maritime Law Advocate, Legal Advisor of Maritime Law, etc.

Q:   Where can I work after completing a course in Maritime Law?

A:

Candidates can find employment in areas like Ship Owning Companies, Insurance Companies, Law Firms, Port Authorities, Private and Public dealings in Maritime transportation, etc.

Maritime Law Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions for these courses:

Q:   Is Maritime Law course good for career?

A:

Yes, the candidates pursuing this course have opportunities to join international and national organizations related to Marine, Fisheries and Oceans. Opportunities are lucrative in the Ship Owning Companies, Insurance Companies, Law Firms, Port Authorities, Private and Public dealings in Maritime transportation, etc.

Q:   What skills are needed to make a career in Maritime Law field?

A:

 Candidates who want to pursue Maritime Law need to be confident and extremely good with written and oral communication.

Popular Maritime Law PG Courses

Following are the most popular Maritime Law PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates can find employment in areas like Ship Owning Companies, Insurance Companies, Law Firms, Port Authorities, Private and Public dealings in Maritime transportation, etc.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

 Candidates can become Legal Counsel, Maritime Law Advocate, Legal Advisor of Maritime Law, etc.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

 Candidates who want to pursue Maritime Law need to be confident and extremely good with written and oral communication.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Some colleges, like NALSAR Hyderabad, offer a PG diploma in Advanced Maritime Law. For such course, the eligibility is a Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent degree in any discipline from any recognized University or completion of three years of the 5-year integrated LLB Degree program in Law.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

CUSAT CAT LLM is one of the most recognized entrance exams for this course.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, the candidates pursuing this course have opportunities to join international and national organizations related to Marine, Fisheries and Oceans. Opportunities are lucrative in the Ship Owning Companies, Insurance Companies, Law Firms, Port Authorities, Private and Public dealings in Maritime tr

...more

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

LLM in Maritime law is offered by colleges like NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad NLU New Delhi, GNLU Gandhinagar, Symbiosis Law School, etc.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates who study maritime law can choose any of these job profiles to have a career: Legal Counsel, Maritime Law Advocate, Legal Advisor of Maritime Law. 

Candidates can find employment in areas like Ship Owning Companies, Insurance Companies, Law Firms, Port Authorities, Private and Public deali

...more

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

In the Maritime Law course, candidates learn laws related to the international sale of goods, national maritime law, legislation drafting, environmental laws, piracy, maritime insurance, laws governing the carriages of various goods that take place through the sea and the law of contracts.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The Maritime Law course teaches the candidates about laws that govern the sea and coastal areas of a country. Candidates who wish to acquire specialized knowledge about shipping law and related matters can take up this course.

P

Pragati Singh

Contributor-Level 10