The main mission of maritime law is to regulate relationships connected with shipping and the sea. It covers issues related to ships, the particularities that arise during their transfer, and the relationships between shipowners and operators.

It includes rules for charter parties, the legal framework of maritime transport, and the liabilities of the shipowner in case of damage caused to others. I

t also deals with the rights and obligations of the crew, the duration of the maritime employment contract, the regime governing the repatriation of seafarers, and their liability during work.

An important part concerns regulations on maritime accidents and ship collisions. Within this framework, maritime mortgage and bottomry loan are examined in detail, as institutions of lasting importance.

In recent years, NEPA companies (Maritime Companies for Pleasure Boats) have also played a significant role in the market, operating exclusively with leisure vessels, of which they may own or merely exploit/manage.