By: M. W. D. White
Follows on from the First and the Second editions of which White was the editor and wrote some of the chapters. In those earlier editions many eminent Australian maritime lawyers contributed chapters from their own point of view but in this new edition the author has tried to bring a consistency of treatment of topics which flows from the one author writing the entire work.
The book "Australian Maritime Law" by Michael White is a comprehensive reference work on maritime law in Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:
The book is structured into 16 chapters that systematically cover all major aspects of Australian maritime law. It starts with foundational topics like admiralty jurisdiction and constitutional background before moving on to detailed discussions on various aspects of shipping, including carriage of goods and passengers, marine insurance, ownership, registration, and securities. The book then delves into the 'wet' aspects of shipping, such as navigation, shipping safety, maritime labour law, collisions, salvage operations, towage, pilotage, limitation of liability, marine pollution, and criminal jurisdiction. The fourth edition also includes a new section on competition law issues relevant to shipping in Australia.
The book has been widely recognized as a leading reference work in the field of Australian maritime law. The fourth edition, co-authored by Justice Sarah Derrington and Dr. Michael White, has been thoroughly updated to reflect significant legislative changes and developments in case law since the third edition. The critical reception highlights its comprehensive coverage and authoritative insights, making it a must-have reference for all practitioners involved in shipping in Australia.
In summary, "Australian Maritime Law" by Michael White is a seminal work that provides an exhaustive overview of maritime law in Australia. Its comprehensive coverage, updated editions, and authoritative insights make it a crucial reference for practitioners in the field.