The Law of the Sea

So what is it and how were laws established?  Check out this well-known site for a short history and clear explanation, as well as links to piracy, privateering, and freedom of the seas.
http://www.bartleby.com/65/ma/maritime.html

This site is the home of the UN?s division for Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea and has extensive, current articles related to international maritime law.
http://www.un.org/Depts/los/index.htm