Topic: International Maritime Organization

Carnival Triumph passengers have fewer rights than air travelers (+video)

As the Carnival Triumph inches toward port, attention is turning to what rights its passengers have. But the cruise industry receives less oversight than the airline industry.

North Korea preps for rocket launch despite international warnings

Many are concerned that North Korea's rocket launch is cover for developing the technology to attach a nuclear warhead to a long-range missile capable of going as far as Hawaii, Alaska, or the US West Coast.

Russia, China warn North Korea about potential rocket launch

The two Asian superpowers are trying to convince their small Communist neighbor that launching another rocket is not in its best interest.

North Korea rocket preparations: Could it be a bluff?

There are questions about whether North Korean scientists have corrected whatever caused the embarrassing crackup of its last rocket shortly after liftoff in April, and whether Pyongyang is willing to risk another failure — along with UN condemnation and more sanctions.

Extensive NJ cargo ship search turns up no stowaways

Federal authorities used X-ray machines, K-9 units and officers to search more than 160 of the 2,000 containers aboard the 850-foot Ville D'Aquarius at Port Newark, one of the nation's busiest ports.

Costa Concordia: Did the captain break any law in abandoning ship?

Costa Concordia Captain Francesco Schettino has been widely criticized for leaving the ship before ensuring the safety of his passengers. Here are four questions about how a captain should act in a crisis.

Piracy on the rise off West Africa's coast

West Africa has seen a sharp increase in the number of pirate attacks off its coast. The goal is not lucrative ransom payments, but fuel, which sells for a large sum on the black market.

What will US do with 15 Somali pirates after fatal hijacking?

In the past, the US has asked other nations, such as Kenya, to handle cases involving Somali pirates. But some expect a different strategy this time.

Somali pirate gets stiff sentence in US court. Will it deter piracy?

A US judge sentenced Somali pirate Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse to nearly 34 years in prison, citing a need to deter others. But the problem is getting to those who finance piracy operations.

South Korea to attempt first space launch Wednesday

South Korea is making a second attempt to put a Naro-1 satellite into Earth's orbit with a locally assembled rocket. The first try failed last year because of a malfunction.

Hamas assassination: Australia outraged at identity theft, Israel ambassador summoned

The Hamas assassination investigation widened on Wednesday, when Dubai added 15 suspects to the list of those accused of arranging the murder of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh. On Thursday, Australia summoned Israel's ambassador and delivered a stark warning.

Maersk Alabama: Should ships use armed guards to stop Somali pirates?

Lethal or nonlethal weapons? The attack on the US-flagged Maersk Alabama reignites the debate over how to stop Somali pirates.

Why did an Antarctic cruise ship sink?

Big ice chunks, misjudgment, and faulty doors doomed the MS Explorer. New limits are set on tourists and cruise ships to the region.

Maritime officials seek more authority to confront pirates

As attacks continue, experts consider whether deadly force would be an effective deterrent.

North Korea sets April time frame for satellite launch

Oil capture spotlights Somali pirates' reach

A supertanker hijacking helped boost the price of oil early this week.

A secret to improving cargo ship efficiency: Go fly a kite

Designers look to giant kites, bubbles, and new propellers to save on fuel costs and reduce pollution.

A secret to improving cargo ship efficiency: Go fly a kite

Designers look to giant kites, bubbles, and new propellers to save on fuel costs and reduce pollution.

A secret to improving cargo ship efficiency: Go fly a kite