SHIP AND OFFICE ON THE SAME WAVELENGTH

This book provides the examination of the relationship between the globalization and safety, environmental, and labour standards as applicablt to the maritime industry. There are nearly as many definitions of globalization as there are scholars who write about it, but the most important globalization aspect for the purposes of this study is the reduction of barriers (be they political or technical) to international economic activity.

Goods move long distances, are assembled in one location from parts made in other locations, and may be used somewhere else altogether. Freer international trade, the reduced relative cost of transportation, and increasing economic integration make possible this global movement of goods, much of which happens on the oceans on ships. The shipping industry is considered one of the most globalized industries.

By its very nature international shipping necessarily involves crossing between jurisdictions and traveling long distances in nonterritorial spaces. Ship owners can actually choose where get their ships registered and thereby choose both domestic and international regulations within which they operate.

The labor market for ship workers is as global as any; shipowners can hire workers from anywhere in the world and there is often little to no connection between the nationality of a shipowner, the country of origin of those who work on the ship, and where the ship travels.