---
title: "Maritime Law"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/maritime-law-741-en"
field: "Aviation & Maritime Law"
description: "Maritime law under Articles 1, 2, 3 and 12 of the Georgian Maritime Code: navigation, scope of application, definition of ship. Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-07-09"
updated: "2026-10-14"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Maritime Law

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/maritime-law-741-en

## Maritime Law in Georgia — the General Part of the Code

Maritime law in Georgia rests on a single foundation — the Maritime Code of Georgia, whose general part answers four threshold questions: what the Code regulates, that is, what counts as "maritime navigation" (Article 1); where it applies — seas, rivers, lakes and other navigable ways (Article 2); whom it does not reach — ships flying a naval flag, and on which exceptions (Article 3); and what is considered a "ship" for the purposes of the Code — a broad catalogue of floating objects with the 7-metre threshold for small ships (Article 12). This page explains precisely these four norms, because they determine whether your situation falls within the Maritime Code's regulatory scope at all.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/maritime-law-741-en

### What does the Maritime Code regulate?

Relations connected with maritime navigation — the use of ships for carriage of passengers, cargo, baggage and mail, harvest, mineral extraction, towing, rescue and other purposes.

### Does the Code operate on inland waters?

Yes — on seas, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and other navigable ways, unless an exception is set by the Code, a special law or an international treaty.

### Is a platform considered a ship?

Yes — for the purposes of the Code a ship is also an on-water floating platform and installation.

### Which ship counts as small?

A ship of less than 7 (seven) metres in length intended for recreation, business and household, tourist, sports and other purposes.