The Coast Guard also has a database, known as the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange, with inspections and any deficiencies found aboard ships, dating to when the vessels entered service.

NPR: No Central Agency Oversees, Inspects Cruise Ships

"We have reached a consensus on high-level visits and exchange of personnel, maritime security... and cooperation between the two navies, " he said.

BBC: India and China to hold joint military exercises

One example often brought up is Links Island, a maritime company whose stock the Singapore Exchange said had been "cornered" (reducing the free float below the required 10% minimum) during a period when the value of the stock rose fourfold in four months after its IPO in April 2000.

FORBES: World Markets

Medieval Italian merchants developed commercial and financial techniques, such as bookkeeping and bills of exchange, that spread north and west to Europe's emerging maritime and Protestant powers, notably Holland and England.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Split into two sections, "Philippines: An Archipelago of Exchange" explores both the archipelago's diverse Austronesian roots in its mountainous regions and its rich maritime history as a Pacific trading hub.

WSJ: Review: Island Treasure | 'Philippines: An Archipelago of Exchange' at the Mus��e du Quai Branly in Paris