that was impossible , ancient sailors watched constellations to mark their position . The ancient Minoans , who lived on the Mediterranean island of Crete from 3000 to 1100 BCE , left records of using the stars to navigate .
Maritime Laws of Melaka - Wikipedia
Maritime Laws of Melaka ( Undang-Undang Laut Melaka ) was a legal code of Melaka Sultanate ( 1400-1511 ) that deals specifically with matters related to maritime laws and regulations , as well as nautical procedures concerning seafaring affairs of merchant vessels . The other important legal code of Melaka was the ‘ Laws of Melaka ’. Though it still contained certain provisions related to maritime laws , it was sometime known as ‘ Laws on the land of Melaka ’. The clauses contained in the Undang- Undang Laut Melaka cover an extensive area , taking into account a wide variety of circumstances that could arise on a ship with respect to social issues , such as slavery , adultery , murder , stealing , disrespecting an officer and negligence in carrying out duties . They also cover economic aspects such as tax and trade , including measurement of weight and area . The legal code also outlines a very wellstructured organisation on ships , with the titles of officers clearly specified , complete with their responsibilities . In Melaka ’ s court , matters related to the enforcement of Undang-Undang Laut Melaka were placed under the authority of Laksamana (‘ admiral of the fleet ’).
The actual date when the legal code was drafted remains unknown . However , based on its manuscript , the promulgation of Undang-Undang Laut Melaka was the result of a meeting of a group of Melakan nakhodas ( sea captains ) during the reign of Muhammad Shah ( 1424-1444 ).
In 15 th century Melaka , a system of command was well developed , whereby merchants could send goods in another man ’ s ship , either in the care of some of his agents travelling as kiwis ( travelling merchants ), or entrusted to the nakhoda for a fixed return . The clause outlines the responsibilities of a kiwi especially in matters related to rental rates and rights to a petak ( a partition for storing goods ). The duties of the kiwi to look after the petak he rented and the time period allowed , are also mentioned in the clause . Penalties are specified for failure to fill up the rented petak within the stipulated period . A kiwi may join a ship ’ s voyage in several ways : firstly , by renting a petak ; secondly , by assisting the nakhoda with a capital of three or four tahils of gold ; or by making an agreement to give 3 / 10 of his sales to the nakhoda . Also mentioned in this clause are the responsibilities of the maula or penghulu kiwi ( chief kiwi ). The chief kiwi is entitled to half of the division of hold , in which the rice or provisions are stowed .
For crimes and punishments on board a vessel , rules were set for penalties for those who fought and murdered on board a ship , including the punishment for a kiwi who tries to kill the nakhoda . There are also details of the persons who can be sentenced to death on board a ship . Four types of offences can incur the death sentence : i ) Speaking offensively and being disloyal to the nakhoda ii ) Planning or collaborating with other crew members to kill the nakhoda , kiwi , tukang or malim iii ) A person who carries a kris on board , whilst others do not iv ) Very bad behaviour and acting disrespectfully
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