AN APPRAISAL OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROTECTION OF LIVES AND PROPERTY AT SEA

Abstract

International maritime law has developed an extensive legal framework aimed at safeguarding human life and property at sea through safety regulation, maritime security measures, and cooperative enforcement mechanisms. Despite the existence of comprehensive conventions governing maritime navigation and security, incidents involving ship casualties, piracy, and loss of maritime property continue to occur across global maritime domains. Thus, this study appraises the implementation of international legal frameworks designed to protect lives and property at sea. Using doctrinal legal methodology, the study evaluates the effectiveness of State compliance with obligations under major maritime conventions and examines institutional and operational challenges affecting implementation. The study found that the principal challenge confronting maritime safety governance lies not in normative inadequacy but in uneven enforcement, weak institutional capacity, and fragmented regulatory coordination. The study finally recommends enhanced compliance monitoring, strengthened port State control, regional cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives as essential strategies for improving the effectiveness of international maritime safety regimes.