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What are the Admiralty Courts?

The Admiralty Courts, also known as maritime courts, are specialised judicial bodies empowered to adjudicate legal matters pertaining to maritime cases, which includes disputes concerning shipping, ship navigation, marine commerce, marine environmental protection, marine collisions, cargo damages, salvage operations, oil and gas explorations, fisheries regulations and marine insurance issues.

They are specifically designed to address legal matters occurring primarily or exclusively at sea or within navigable waters under maritime jurisdiction. Historically, these courts originated as a means to regulate maritime affairs between states or nations due to the unique nature of international oceanic operations. Nowadays, the concept of marine jurisprudence expands beyond territorial waters, incorporating international conventions and customary laws of the sea, ensuring efficient dispute resolution.