The Cornerstones of Maritime Governance: Administration, Law-Policy Dynamics, and Crew Welfare

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of maritime law and policy as a fundamental global governance framework whose priority is enhancing maritime safety and trade efficiency through integrated regulatory systems. Drawing on established theoretical frameworks in maritime governance literature, the study systematically examines four interconnected dimensions: (1) the policymaking role of maritime administrations in bridging technical expertise and national interests, (2) the dynamic legislative process involving executive, legislative, and judicial interactions, (3) a comparative analysis of maritime governance models (liberal democratic vs. Chinese centralized systems), and (4) human element considerations in crew welfare and operational safety. The research covers the historical evolution of maritime governance mechanisms, evaluates their efficacy in balancing international obligations with domestic priorities, and identifies critical implementation gaps, particularly in seafarer rights protection and cross-jurisdictional policy harmonization. In addition to institutional analysis, this work further contextualizes contemporary challenges through technological advancements, environmental regulations, and COVID-19 impacts on seafarer well-being, arguing that effective maritime policy must reconcile technical rigor, governance adaptability, and human-centered design. Findings underscore the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches for sustainable global shipping governance.