Short Course: Law of the Sea (Hybrid)
Date: 4-5 December 2024
Time: 09.30 - 17.30 (UK time)
Venue: BIICL, Russell Square, London and Online

Course Outline
This hybrid course provides an insightful overview of the international law of the sea and the pressing challenges confronting the world's oceans and seas. Led by experts from both academia and practice, participants will gain a robust working understanding of the main sources of the law of the sea, including treaties, customary law, and judicial practice. These components are examined in various contexts, from marine environment protection, climate change and vulnerable species management to the governance of global commons, deep-sea activities and, crucially, the peaceful settlement of international maritime disputes. The course offers fresh practical insights by analysing real-world examples, current issues, emerging trends, and new directions in the field.
Course topics:
- The United Nations Law of the Sea Convention: Past, Present & Future,
Dr Constantinos Yiallourides, Research Leader in Law of the Sea, BIICL; Associate Professor of International Law, Macquarie University, Sydney. - Protection of the Marine Environment & Control of Marine Pollution ,
Dr Rozemarijn Roland Holst, Lecturer in International Environmental Law, University of Edinburgh, UK - Governance of Global Commons and Regulation of Deep Seabed Mining, Dr Naomi Burke O'Sullivan, Principal Counsel, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; Former ITLOS Legal Officer.
- International Regulation of Fisheries & UK Fisheries Policy
Prof Dr Richard Barnes, Professor of International Law, Lincoln University. - Delimitation of Maritime Zones within and beyond 200 nautical miles.
Prof Dr Bjørn Kunoy, University of the Faroe Islands; Georgetown University, Washington DC; Special Legal Adviser, MFA of the Faroe Islands. - Governance of Marine Biodiversity & Marine Genetic Resources in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction,
Dr Wonhee KIM, Senior Researcher, Korean Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) - Climate Change & the Law of the Sea
- International Dispute Settlement in the Law of the Sea & The Role of ITLOS,
H.E. Judge Tomas Heidar, President of ITLOS
Course leader
Dr Constantinos Yiallourides, Research Leader in the Law of the Sea, BIICL and Associate Professor in International Law, Macquarie University Sydney.
Who is the course for?
The course is beneficial to anyone with an interest in ocean governance including those working for government (including national and sub-national government), NGOs, legal practice, companies and academia (including students).
Testimonials from past attendees
"Great learning experience"
"Really informative, accessible and in interactive - even as a non-Lawyer"
"Brilliant course, very well organised and chaired"
"Really informative with applied case studies. It has given me lots of pointers which will help me with my own research and was all round an excellent course"
Pricing and Registration
The course cost is £775 per person.
Course format: This is a hybrid course, being offered in person at the BIICL office in Russell Square, London and virtually.
Our website is currently under maintenance. Please contact the Event's team to book your place.
Participants at BIICL short courses are also invited to join exclusive events for trainees following completion of the course.
Course Discounts
Member discount: 15% discount for individual members of BIICL
Details of individual memberships at BIICL
Group discounts:
- 15% discount for groups of 3 or more attendees from NGO organisations or staff of government
- 15% discount for groups of 5 or more attendees from commercial organisations
To apply for any of the discounted rates, please Contact Us.
Training scholarships
The British Institute of International and Comparative Law is committed to equality and opportunity in the legal profession and to support greater engagement of under-represented groups in the legal profession.
In our efforts in this regard we are delighted to offer 3 scholarships for each of our short courses to participants from communities and backgrounds currently under-represented in the legal community.
Applications for training scholarships must be received at least three weeks ahead of the course start date (13 November 2024).
Find out more about training scholarships