Laws of Maritime Warfare

The Laws of Maritime Warfare are a set of international rules that govern how countries conduct military operations at sea. They aim to protect civilians and neutral parties, ensure humanitarian treatment of captured personnel, and regulate the conduct of navies during conflicts. These laws cover issues like blockades, the sinking of ships, and the treatment of ship crews. They are designed to minimize suffering during armed conflicts and uphold legal and ethical standards on the high seas, following principles established by treaties like the Geneva Conventions and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.