This book is about the contemporary problem of places of refuge for ships in need of assistance. There is an uncodified humanitarian custom providing a right to a ship in distress to assistance and protection by coastal authorities, including access to a place of refuge when necessary. With modern ships carrying large volumes of hazardous cargo and fuel, a disabled ship can pose a significant threat to the marine environment and interests of an affected coastal state. After being refused refuge, the 'Erika' and 'Prestige' became casualties causing severe environmental damage. Today, while the...

Devoted to assessing the state of ocean and coastal governance, knowledge, and management, the Ocean Yearbook provides information in one convenient resource. As in previous editions, articles provide multidisciplinary expert perspectives on contemporary issues. Each new volume draws on policy studies, international relations, international and comparative law, management, marine sciences, economics, and social sciences. Each volume contains key legal and policy instruments and an annually updated global directory of ocean-related organizations. The Yearbook is a collaborative...