A number of significant events in the law of the sea have occurred since the summer of 1994 when this book was first published by the U.S. Naval War College. Of greatest significance is the entry into force on November 16, 1994, of the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, with a reformed Part XI on deep seabed mining, that gives every prospect of gaining universal acceptance. In addition, in submitting the Convention and implementing Agreement to the Senate for advice and consent in October 1994, President Clinton forwarded an extensive and authoritative Commentary on those documents. Consequently, the authors were encouraged to prepare a second edition for the wider audience which must deal with the traditional uses provisions of the modern Law of the Sea Convention now in force. A new chapter on marine data collection has been added and documents have been included which will further facilitate the use of this expanded volume as a working tool for the practitioner and student alike.

Now in a third, revised edition, Excessive Maritime Claims by J. Ashley Roach and Robert W. Smith is designed for law of the sea and maritime law specialists. The book draws on published governmental material in the public domain, specifically the U.S., and addresses recent progress in maritime security, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by sea, piracy, and protection of underwater cultural heritage. As a result of significant developments in the law of the sea, primarily with reference to the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, Excessive Maritime Claims provides up to date coverage of current affairs as well as introduce new topics such as: submarine cables, polar areas, environmental protection, sovereign immunity and sunken ships, and maritime law enforcement.