Salvagers, pirates, charter-parties, merchant shippers, buccaneers and cruise ship performers - even those on the open seas are subject to the law. Maritime law is the body of law, conventions and treaties that govern both domestic law activities and international private business involving ships, shipping or criminal activity on open water. Although each legal jurisdiction possess its own regulations governing maritime or admiralty law, there is a significant amount of legislation that is considered to have international effect and encompasses many jurisdictions.