In this episode, we’re joined by Bulat Karimov, Research Associate at the Centre for Maritime Law at the National University of Singapore, Head of the Young Committee of the Russian Maritime Law Association, and Associate at NAVICUS.LAW (Russia).

We dive into Bulat’s recently published paper, “Law and Practice of Ship Arrest in Russia,” exploring the legal framework governing ship arrest in Russia. He breaks down the statutory basis for arrest, how international rules are interpreted and applied in domestic courts, and walks us through the typical stages of a ship arrest case.

Bulat also shares insightful judicial statistics spanning five years, from 2020 to 2024, offering a rare empirical look into enforcement trends and case outcomes.

Will Chetwood is a highly respected Senior Shipping Counsel with over 40 years of experience in the maritime legal sector. Recognized by The Legal 500 for his expertise in both dry shipping matters and dispute resolution, Will has built a distinguished career advising on complex shipping transactions and legal challenges across the globe.

In this episode, we sit down with Will to explore the intricacies of Ship Sale Transactions. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, Will walks us through how these transactions are typically structured and concluded, highlighting key legal and commercial considerations that parties must keep in mind.

He also sheds light on common challenges that can arise during the process—ranging from contractual pitfalls to regulatory hurdles—and how these can impact the outcome of a deal.

To wrap up, Will shares what has kept him passionate about transactional work in shipping over the years. He offers valuable insights into the skills and mindset needed to thrive in this niche but vital area of maritime law.

In this episode we speak to Dorcas Jonah from Nigeria, who is a qualified Marine Engineer and Surveyor. She is also an advocate for women in the industry and serves on various platforms as a mentor and an ambassador of change.

She speaks to us about her journey from being a Marine Engineer to a Marine Surveyor and what both these designations entail from a practical perspective. Dorcas also shares with us the challenges she experienced and the mindset she had in overcoming them.

In conclusion, she shares pearls of wisdom with the upcoming experts with an interest in marine engineering and surveying.

On this episode we speak to a returning guest, Sabelo Hadebe who speaks to us a qualified Marine Engineer.

The episode touches on the process of preparing for his exams with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), and tips on how to ace those exams.

He speaks about the importance of structuring your study schedule, consulting with mentors, and working with a partner. Sabelo highlights how these have been fundamental in him acing his exams.

In this episode we speak to a Senior Claims Executive in New Jersey (USA), Guillermo Cancio.

We talk about things to consider in the process of handling claims, challenges presented, and skills required.

The conversation addresses issues such as the types of claims in the marine industry, establishing liability, as well as the limitation of liability from the USA perspective.

Guillermo also shares his views on the increasing awareness of the maritime industry amongst young people in USA.

In this episode we speak to Hari Narayan, a Partner and Maritime Lawyer at United Maritime Law Chambers in India.

Hari speaks to us about the practice of maritime law in India, and takes us through some of the provisions of key maritime legislations. The discussion touches on the history of Admiralty Jurisdiction in India, as well as the introduction of the 2017 Admiralty Act.

In conclusion, Hari shares some advice for aspiring maritime lawyers in India.

In this episode, Monica Kohli who is a Senior Lawyer at Gard P&I speaks to us about her legal journey in the maritime industry.

The conversation focuses mainly on her work with various Associations in the industry that seek to promote diversity and transformation in in the shipping industry. She speaks about the work she does with WISTA UK in supporting and training women in the industry, as well as with the IMA.

Monica also shares some tips for those interested in joining the industry and how they can make themselves stand out.