Sellers v. Maritime Safety Inspector

Abstract

Jurisdiction — Ships — Flag State — Whether jurisdiction of flag State exclusive — Coastal State — Whether possessing jurisdiction regarding safety requirements — Effects doctrine

Relationship of international law and municipal law — United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982 (“UNCLOS”) — Principle of freedom of the high seas — Exclusive flag State jurisdiction — Exceptions — Maritime Transport Act 1994 (“MTA”) — Section 21 of MTA — Scope — Whether MTA to be construed in accordance with international law — Whether Maritime Safety Authority obliged to comply with New Zealand’s obligations under international law

Sea — Jurisdiction — Safety requirements — Coastal State — Duty of rescue — Whether conferring jurisdiction — United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea — The law of New Zealand