This comprehensive compilation which is composed of 86 international and regional instruments on the regulatory framework of maritime work fills a gap by constituting an extensive practical reference tool with fully updated developments and more than 1000 references from international bibliography and case-law. The work is divided into four Chapters each one of which includes both legal instruments and comments: the first one addresses the ILO maritime instruments, including the new consolidated convention on maritime labour of February 2006; the second one addresses major IMO instruments which present an impact on the human element, including the STCW Convention as amended in 1995, the ISM Code and extracts from the ISPS Code; the third one deals with three leading Memoranda of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU and Black-Sea MOU); the fourth one tackles the European Community law on seafarers protection and shipowners obligations (including relevant Directives).