Final answer:
The subject refers to maritime law, including piracy, felonies at sea, and international offenses. It encompasses the legal framework for maintaining order in international waters, relevant during wartime and peacetime, and addresses environmental protection and commerce regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage in question refers to maritime laws that apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected with such that are navigable by seagoing vessels. These laws include regulations dealing with piracy, felonies at sea, and offenses against the international law of nations. It implies legal principles and frameworks in place to maintain order and security on international waters, which is a key aspect of maritime law, a specialized field of jurisprudence.
During times of war, special notices, like the one from the Imperial German Government mentioned, are given to warn travelers of risks in war zones. Moreover, regulations also exist to ensure that there is no preferential treatment of ports and that taxes or duties are not unjustly imposed on maritime commerce. Ultimately, these laws protect the integrity of international trade and uphold peace, signifying the importance of adherence to international maritime law.
Additionally, legislations such as those prohibiting drilling for oil and natural gas in certain waters, restrictions on smoking, and the deployment of naval forces, are all part of efforts to regulate human activities on the high seas to ensure safety, environmental protection, and compliance with international agreements.