Welcome...

WELCOME to the last issue of 2003. Some time ago we introduced two new regular features to The Maritime Advocate – Web Watch and Delegates Diary. From the feedback we have received these have proved very popular additions to the magazine providing readers with reviews of interesting, and not so interesting, websites and an at-a-glance guide to conferences and seminars.

Although we are always striving to add new variety to the magazine, its main aim is to offer a down to earth round-up of maritime law developments from around the world. But with only four issues per year, it is not always easy to keep everyone happy. This latest issue, however, not only covers the latest news from South America, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Far East and South Africa, it also looks at insurance issues, the ever controversial COGSA and even yachting. Our new deputy editor, Lucy Budd, also finds time to catch up with Andrew Tulloch of Australia-based Phillips Fox while John Guy chats to John Hulmes, head of the Liverpool branch of Hill Dickinson. So there should be something for everyone.

But we are always open to ideas. The Maritime Advocate is your magazine - the chance for you to have your say and let others know what is happening in maritime law circles where you are. So, if you have a burning issue you would like to write about or an idea for an article that you think would interest our readers, please let us know.

It only remains to wish all our readers a very merry Christmas and happy, healthy New Year. See you in January 2004.

Suzanne Starbuck