Maritime, a.
Etymology: [L. maritimus, fr. mare the sea: cf. F. maritime. See Mere a pool.]
1. Bordering on, or situated near, the ocean; connected with the sea by site, interest, or power; having shipping and commerce or a navy; as, maritime states. "A maritime town." Addison.
2. Of or pertaining to the ocean; marine; pertaining to navigation and naval affairs, or to shipping and commerce by sea. "Maritime service." Sir H. Wotton. Maritime law. See Law. -- Maritime loan, a loan secured by bottomry or respodentia bonds. -- Martime nations, nations having seaports, and using the sea more or less for war or commerce.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for maritime; he lists it under nautical.
Where he writes about it:
Marine (L. mare, sea) signifies belonging to the ocean, maritime, a secondary derivative from the same root, bordering on or connected with the ocean; as, marine products; marine animals; maritime nations; maritime laws. — from nautical