A clear, practical guide to how international law governs war at sea and what it means for ships, crews, and civilians.
This edition surveys the core rules and their applications in naval conflict. It focuses on how law shapes the treatment of wounded and shipwrecked sailors, the protection of hospital ships, and the handling of contraband, neutral ships, and prisoner exchanges.
- How contraband is defined and what that means for capture and condemnation
- Rules governing neutral vessels, warships, and hospital ships
- Procedures for the exchange of prisoners and the role of cartels
- Key principles that guide conduct during truces, armistices, and naval engagements
Ideal for readers of maritime law, international relations, and history who want a clear, organized overview of how the laws of war apply at sea.