International regulation and the spirit of the seas

Neil Roberts, of the Lloyd's Market Association, stresses the need for collaboration

Every nation values its sovereignty, but most agree it is advantageous, sometimes, to cede a little dominion to an international authority. They see that in some situations everything operates more smoothly when all the governments of the world agree, and submit to rules set under international conventions. When it comes to issues related to the seas, international law has prevailed, on and off, since the Lex Rhodia governed maritime commerce from about 500 BC.