International maritime law, also known as admiralty law, is a body of laws, conventions, and treaties that govern private maritime business and other nautical matters, such as shipping or offenses occurring on open water. Here are some key aspects:

1. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): Often referred to as the "constitution of the sea," UNCLOS defines the rights and responsibilities of nations in their use of the world's oceans. It covers various aspects such as territorial waters, exclusive economic zones (EEZ), continental shelf jurisdiction, and navigation rights.

2. International Maritime Organization (IMO). A specialized agency of the United Nations, the IMO is responsible for regulating shipping. It develops and maintains a comprehensive framework of global maritime regulations, including safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical cooperation, maritime security, and efficiency of shipping.

3. Maritime Safety: This includes regulations and conventions such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which ensures that ships comply with minimum safety standards in construction, equipment, and operation.

4. Marine Environmental Protection: Conventions such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) aim to minimize marine pollution from ships, whether due to operational or accidental causes.

5. Seafarers' Rights: The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) sets out seafarers' rights to decent working conditions. It covers various aspects including minimum age, employment agreements, hours of work and rest, payment of wages, and repatriation.

6. Shipping Contracts and Liability: International maritime law covers various aspects of shipping contracts, including carriage of goods by sea, charter parties, and bills of lading. Conventions such as the Hague-Visby Rules, Hamburg Rules, and Rotterdam Rules regulate the rights and obligations of carriers and shippers.

7. Collision and Salvage: International rules determine the responsibilities and liabilities of vessels involved in collisions. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) provide navigation rules to avoid collisions. Salvage law, covered by conventions like the International Convention on Salvage, deals with compensation for those who aid in the recovery of a ship or its cargo.

8. Maritime Security: Conventions such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code enhance ship and port security to prevent acts of terrorism or other unlawful acts against ships and port facilities.

9. Dispute Resolution: Maritime disputes can be resolved through national courts or arbitration. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and specialized maritime arbitration institutions, such as the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA), play roles in resolving international maritime disputes.

10. Piracy and Armed Robbery. International maritime law addresses issues of piracy and armed robbery against ships, with efforts coordinated by entities such as the IMO and regional organizations to ensure safe navigation through high-risk areas.

Understanding and complying with international maritime law is crucial for nations and stakeholders in the maritime industry to ensure safe, secure, and efficient maritime operations while protecting the marine environment.