Preventing Terrorist Attacks at Sea: Maritime Terrorism Risk and International Law

The risk of terrorist attacks at sea is a major concern, and this book examines how the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, other vessel identification and tracking measures, and the 2005 Protocol to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Maritime Navigation can help reduce this risk. It also provides a Maritime Terrorism Threat Matrix and examines relevant national maritime security legislation. The book concludes with guidelines for the unilateral interdiction of suspected terrorist vessels in exceptional circumstances and recommends priorities for governments and international maritime industries to focus on to reduce the risk.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 23 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Over the past few decades, it has become widely acknowledged that terrorist attacks at sea have the potential to result in substantial casualties and significant disruptions to the smooth flow of international shipping. This book delves into the intricate relationship between piracy and maritime terrorism, exploring their similarities and differences. It then examines how the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, along with other vessel identification and tracking measures outlined in the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, can be effectively implemented to mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks at sea.

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is less clear on the powers of states to protect offshore installations, submarine cables, and pipelines from interference by terrorists. In light of these uncertainties, the book considers how the 2005 Protocol to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Maritime Navigation, the doctrine of necessity, and states' inherent self-defense rights might apply in the maritime security context.

A significant contribution of this book is the formulation of the Maritime Terrorism Threat Matrix, a comprehensive framework for analyzing past and potential maritime terrorism incidents. The book also examines the relevant national maritime security legislation in the United Kingdom and Australia, highlighting key measures to prevent maritime terrorist attacks.

In conclusion, this book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of piracy and maritime terrorism. It provides a comprehensive examination of the legal and policy frameworks that govern maritime security, and offers practical guidelines for governments and international maritime industries to enhance their efforts in mitigating the risk of terrorist attacks at sea.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367321222