This chapter places the theoretical arguments analysed in the earlier chapters into the contemporary and prospective operational and practical context taking account of the political, financial, economic and historical influences and pressures that surround the maritime industry and its traditional governance. These include discussion of the relationship between the maritime sector and global commons, including the open seas, the physical environment and issues of security; analysis of the inevitable contradictions that exist between jurisdictional levels and in particular between the local, national and global; the rise of polycentrism; the importance of multi-level governance to the maritime sector; the role of the stakeholder in maritime governance; the importance of boundaries to effective governance; and the significance of policy failure for the commons.