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67893-01 - Lecture: International Law of the Sea (6 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2026 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Anna Petrig (anna.petrig@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the modern international law of the sea. It begins by exploring the core concepts that shape the legal order of the oceans and introduces students to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) — often described as the “Constitution for the Oceans.” Building on this foundation, students are introduced to the Convention’s zonal approach and the structure of maritime spaces, with particular attention to the distinction between areas under national jurisdiction and those beyond it. Subsequent lectures examine key activities at sea and the legal regimes governing them. Topics include maritime security and the suppression of crimes at sea, law enforcement powers, migration and migrant smuggling, as well as the protection of human rights in the maritime domain. The course concludes with an overview of the dispute settlement system established under UNCLOS, equipping students with an understanding of how ocean-related disputes are addressed on the international plane. |
| Learning objectives | Students gain a solid understanding of the foundational ideas and general concepts of the law of the sea and develop the ability to apply this knowledge to practical cases and real-world scenarios. |
| Bibliography | Information about teaching and reading materials can be found on the ADAM course website. |
| Comments | The lecture will not be recorded. The course is taught in English for several reasons: most primary sources are available only in English (or other UN languages), and practitioners in Switzerland working with the international law of the sea will almost inevitably apply and argue this area of law in English. Nevertheless, students may choose to take the oral exam in English, in German, or in a combination of both. |
| Admission requirements | Prior attendance of the lecture International Law (Völkerrecht AT) is strongly recommeded, but not a requirement. |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| wöchentlich | Tuesday | 08.30-10.00 | Juristische Fakultät, Seminarraum S10 HG.45 |
Dates
| Modules |
Specialization Module Global Europe: Work, Migration and Society (Master's Studies: European Global Studies) Specialization Module Global Europe: Environment and Sustainability (Master's Studies: European Global Studies) Specialization Module Global Europe: Globalized Trade and Business (Master's Studies: European Global Studies) Specialization Module Global Europe: International Organizations (Master's Studies: European Global Studies) Specialization module: International Law (Master's Studies: Law) Specialization module: International Law (Master's Studies: Law (bilingue)) Wahlbereich Master Rechtswissenschaft (EUCOR): Empfehlungen (Master's Studies: Law (Eucor)) |
| Assessment format | lecture examination |
| Assessment details | The course is assessed by an oral exam. Students may choose to take the exam in English, in German, or in a combination of both languages. |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Registration: course registration |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | 1-6 0,01 |
| Repeated registration | one repetition |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Law, studiendekanat-ius@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Öffentliches Recht |