The oceans cover more than 70% of the planet. They have been vital as a source of food, natural resources, biological diversity, navigation and trade, a medium for discovery and conquest, a guarantee for military manoeuvrability, and a prime factor in environmental balance. But they have also been a source of conflict and the victim of over-exploitation and pollution. This course introduces students to the rules that regulate the main public uses of the oceans and builds upon the achievements of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (which has been described as a 'constitution for the oceans'). The course aims to give students an understanding of the main principles governing uses of the oceans, of the historical and contemporary bases which underpin the international public regulation of the oceans, and of some of the challenges of ocean governance today. Topics may vary from one course offering to the next and students should refer to the Canvas page for the topics that are covered in 2025. Taking this course will be an advantage to those who wish to pursue studies at a level that will enable them to practice, advise, regulate, research, write or lecture on the law of the sea, oceans policy, and maritime affairs. The classes are meant to be a safe intellectual environment where open discussions and constructive exchange of ideas lead to genuine debate. Students are, therefore, encouraged to be active participants.