Maritime law is a distinct body of law which governs maritime questions and offences. It is a body of both domestic law governing maritime activities, and private international law governing the relationships between private entities which operate vessels on the oceans. It deals with matters including marine commerce, marine navigation, shipping, sailors, and the transportation of passengers and goods by sea. Maritime law also covers many commercial activities, although land based or occurring wholly on land, that are maritime in character. This book explores such topics as the United States Coast Guard Administrative Law Judge program which is designed to promote safety at sea while protecting mariner's rights; international approaches to Underwater Cultural Heritage protection; cruise vessel safety and security and others.