While dealing primarily with cargo contracts the following are very useful Canadian Maritime Law links that consider other issues such as salvage. Most of the conventions and laws apply worldwide.
This was a very useful resource for me when I had to track down a guy from Canada who skipped town without paying his bill.
Transport Canada was also very useful in providing information
It was recommended to me by a leading Australian Maritime Law Barrister and I found it very useful in the same subject at uni. As you note, the info has many practical applications including unpaid bills and salvage.
__________________ Life is a shipwreck but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats. - Voltaire