Prof. Alfred Vella UM Rector, Mr Kevin Ellul, Director UM Library, Prof. Patricia Vella de Fremeaux (Contributor), Prof. Kevin Aquilina (Contributor), Prof. David Attard (General Editor), Prof. Norman Martinez (Co-Editor Vol. I-III and Contributor), Ms Elda Belja (Co-Editor Vol. II and Contributor) Ms Tetty Lubis (IMLI), Mr Buba Bojang (IMLI)
The IMO International Maritime Law Institute, IMLI, has completed a significant, ambitious and timely three-volume publication that adopts, for the first time, an all-encompassing approach to the subject of international maritime law1. This celebrates IMLI’s contributions to international maritime law for over a quarter of a century, Although the three volumes, completed with support from the Nippon Foundation, have been published by Oxford University Press during the period 2014 to 2016, it seemed appropriate to provide a single review for a "Manual" that fits together as a single unit. However, each volume also stands on its own for readers who may have a specific interest in the specialized content.
The IMLI Director and general editor of the whole work, Professor David Joseph Attard, made a formal presentation of the three volume Manual to the Rector of the University of Malta, Professor Alfred J. Vella.
Professor Attard has not only been the IMLI Director since 1992, but is also a distinguished Maltese diplomat and a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. He has ensured that the Manual is edited and written by an international group of legal academics and practitioners who are the leading experts, who also include members of the Faculty of Laws of the University of Malta, in their respective areas. The contributors range from very senior members of the legal profession to younger experts and specialists. Because they come from a very wide selection of States, the academic and practical value of the Manual has no specific geographical boundaries as it addresses international maritime law from the point of view of international conventions, customary law, "soft law" developments, and commercial practices in the diverse areas studied.
Volume I: The Law of the Sea. This volume contains an Introduction, 24 extensive chapters, written by 30 authors and co-authors, as well as an extensive Table of Legislation, Table of Cases, and a good Index. This is, certainly, the most up-to-date discussion of all current law-of-the-sea issues available today.
Volume II: Shipping Law. This volume contains 23 extensive chapters written by 24 authors and co-authors, as well as Tables of Cases, Treaties, Selected Legal Instruments, and Legislation, and an Index. Once again, IMLI has made an important contribution to shipping law literature with a book that captures the latest developments in modern shipping law in a readable overview that would assist academics, practitioners, and government officials who may require a ready reference to this complex area of international maritime and commercial law.
Volume III: Marine Environmental Law and Maritime Security Law. This volume contains 18 chapters written by 20 authors and co-authors, as well as Tables of Cases and Legislation, and an Index. Part One, on Marine Environmental Law contains ten chapters, and Part Two, on Maritime Security Law, contains the final eight chapters. Once again, this volume brings together a group of expert authors drawn from academia, practice, and international organizations.
The International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) was established in 1988 through an international agreement between the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Government of Malta. Over the next 25 years, IMLI established itself as a highly credible international centre for the training of specialists in maritime law and the development and dissemination of knowledge and expertise in the international regime of merchant shipping, related areas of maritime law, and the general law of the sea. IMLI provides advanced, specialized training programmes that incorporate both the study of, and research in, international maritime law and the regulation of international shipping. Over 830 professionals from over 135 States and territories worldwide have undertaken studies at the Malta-based institute. This has been widely recognized as a real maritime "success story" that has significantly contributed to improved safety at sea, efficiency in maritime navigation, and the protection of the marine environment.
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1Edgar Gold, Book Review: The IMLI Manual on International Maritime Law, Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce, 47 J. Mar. L. & Com. 405.