Laws of Maritime Warfare – Hague, Geneva, UNCLOS Explained (Student Notes)

Laws of Maritime Warfare
1. Introduction to Maritime Warfare:
Maritime warfare means fighting wars at sea. It includes naval battles, blockades, and
attacks on enemy ships. International laws exist to make sea wars less destructive and more
humane.

Main sources of law:

●​ Hague Conventions (1899 & 1907): Early rules on naval warfare and enemy ships.​

●​ Geneva Conventions (1949): Protect shipwrecked sailors and prisoners at sea.​

●​ UNCLOS (1982): Defines sea borders, neutral waters, and rules for states at sea.​


Why these laws matter:

●​ Protects non-military ships and innocent people.​

●​ Prevents unnecessary damage in seas and oceans.​

●​ Makes sure captured sailors are treated fairly.​



2. Key Principles of Maritime Warfare:
A. Civilian vs. Military Ships:

●​ Warships = legal targets.​

●​ Civilian ships = protected unless they directly help the enemy.​

●​ Example: German submarine sinking the civilian Lusitania (1915) broke this rule.​



B. Neutral States:

●​ Neutral countries must not be attacked.​

●​ Warring states cannot use neutral ports to hide or refuel.​