The Duty of the Shipmaster to Render Assistance at Sea under International Law

This study examines the shipmaster’s duty to render assistance at sea under international law. This duty is assessed in the light of contemporary challenges posed by the phenomenon of irregular migration by sea, a problem which has intensified in recent years. The approach undertaken gives special emphasis to the shipmaster’s responsibilities in rescue operations, and his role in the fulfilment of States’ international obligations in the rendering of assistance.