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...