Maritime Security across Asia Pacific Region: Threats and Challenges - Coursework Example

Maritime Security across Asia Pacific Region – Threats and Challenges Piracy has invariably existed in sea network of Southeast Asia since ancient times. Earlier the pirates used to carry guns and swords, now with advancement of technology AK-47 or much superior weapon are not far away from them. Terrorists have invented new ways of entering into the restricted areas which can be seen in the Mumbai terror attacks where the terrorists landed via sea. The IMB1 recently reported that there were 293 incidents of piracy against ships during the year 2008 which is 11% higher as compared to 263 incidents in 2007. Gulf of Aden and East Coast of Somalia are hotspots for piracy wherein 63 incidents of piracy attacks which accounts to one third of total attacks in the year 2008.2 Recent attack was carried out by Somali pirates hijacking Indian ship which took place on the coast of Somalia3 and by the end of March 2009, 15 such attacks on vessels compared to zero and two attempted attacks occurred during January and February respectively.4 As per the worldwide report of threat to shipping released by National Geospatial – Intelligence Agency’s Maritime Safety, five attacks were reported across West Africa, thirty four on Indian Ocean – East Africa Coast and three incidents were reported on Southeast Asia. Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean are the prominent destination for the attackers with almost 11 and 19 incidents taking place around this region.5 The governments of different nations need to formulate security measures and multilateral policies to defend and curtail maritime attacks. It is necessary to identify the threats in and around Asia Pacific Region and to formulate security measures to tackle the problem. Threats and their consequences One third6 of the globe is covered with water and is the means of transportation for some 50,000 large ships and nearly 80% of the cargo trades are carried out through this mode of transport. Ironically, major portion of the water body is not under surveillance and barely policed. There are various types of piracy such as attacks against vessels at sea for robbery, hijacking and kidnap for ransom.7 It is believed that small islands and rocks are the ideal hiding places for these pirates who attack the vessels and take it into hostage till their demand is fulfilled. It is revealed from the report published by Civil Maritime Analysis Department, it is evident that most of the attacks have carried around Asia Pacific Region near Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean by notorious criminals based in Somalia, Indonesia, Nigeria and other African countries which are economically poor and are considered as lawless regions.8 The International Maritime Bureau also stated there were lesser number of attacks in the year 2004 (325) as compared to 2003 (445) worldwide. The pirates use sophisticated methods to attack the vessels which include small boats with fast outboard motors for opportunistic attacks, bamboo or ropes and other tools and techniques. IMB Director Capt. Mukundan said that most of the attacks are carried out by well trained and ruthless criminals financed by organized crime group who through their network facilitate selling of stolen cargo and places to hold the abducted crew members for ransom.9 Economic and Human Loss Shippers, carriers and insurers of the ships and cargoes are most affected by the pirate attacks. Erik Barrios10 mentioned that aftermath of 9/11 attacks, the terrorist groups have focused their attention on creating links between Al Qaeda and other rebel groups in Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. John states that the economic and ecological impact of maritime terrorist attack on Asia Pacific Region would be felt immediately as over one fourth of world’s trade; oil and liquefied gas pass the Strait of Malacca11 and Port of Singapore. Most of the nations like India, Singapore, China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Burma and others import and export through Asia Pacific Region. More importantly oil barrels are imported through sea and piracy attacks on such merchant vessels will be of great economic loss to all the nations. It destroys the environment as the oil flows into the ocean making it poisonous, loss of revenue, loss of human lives, and cost of rebuilding the infrastructure.12 As per the data revealed by the Poseidon Security, USD 17 – 18 billion lost due to maritime attack.13 The ransom obtained from taking hostages smaller vessels have allowed them to upgrade equipments, use sophisticated arms and ammunitions to take on larger vessels something like Oceania Nautica, a British Cruiser which escaped the capture.14 The crew members boarding the vessel are at greater risk. In an incident reported, 30 mariners were murdered during the year 2004 and in some cases entire crew have been killed.15 All the countries who incur major losses due to these attacks have called for an organized action to tackle this menace and formulate security measures to combat the terrorist or pirates. Various initiatives to control the crime There is a dire need to control the piracy attack in Asia Pacific Region as it is the main route wherein tonnes of oil, expensive goods, etc. are exported and imported to various parts of the world. The National Strategy for Maritime Security (NSMS) laid down guidelines for the development and coordination of Maritime Security Partnership which states that United States in cooperation with its allies will lead an international effort at bilateral, regional, and multilateral level by providing maritime and port security assistance, training and consultation, coordinating and prioritizing maritime security, promoting implementation of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the safety of maritime navigation, etc.16 The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UCLOS)17 is an international regime which lays constitution for oceans and countries jurisdiction, rights and duties with regard to use of oceans. The UCLOS also laid principles and norms of navigational rights and freedoms which were relevant to the maintenance of security. UCLOS laid down many rules and regulations such as navigational rights and freedoms, flag state responsibilities, piracy, rights of visit, hot pursuit, etc. International Maritime Organization initiated ISPS code which applied to only so called “SOLAS” ships. SUA convention deals with crimes related to terrorist activities on sea by extending coastal state enforcement jurisdiction beyond the territorial limits. The 1979 SAR Convention called for cooperation between State Parties and SAR organizations to combat the maritime attacks and provide safety through rescue operations. The International Maritime Organization in its 23rd Assembly has laid much importance in providing maritime security by promoting safe, secure, environmentally sound and sustainable shipping through cooperation with member nations. The IMO is concerned to improve the safety by bringing all the players in this arena through an inclusive approach in developing measures.18 Conclusion Maritime attacks are at peak with almost over 30 attacks in March 2009 mainly by the Somalis. The area around Asia Pacific is turning out to be a hub of pirates who are believed to finance by the terrorist organizations. The numbers of such attacks are increasing year by year and the mode of attack too. Earlier it was guns now it is more dreadful and dangerous AK – 47. Pirate attacks add to the woes of the nations already suffering from economic depression and more to those nations who are economically poor and underdeveloped. Various conventions have formulated policies to keep these pirates at bay. United Nations through UCLOS laid down guidelines, but they are not sufficient. Surveillance teams should be created to patrol the distant sea and islands therein apart from normal patrolling team. Air force patrolling will be of immense help too to keep surveillance on the ocean as the oceans are not covered under any particular nation’s law. And most importantly, convention should be carried out to formulate measures and steps to converge all the developed and developing nations of the world to cooperate in fight against maritime attacks. References 1. Barrios, Erik “Casting a Wider Net: Addressing the Maritime Piracy Problem in Southeast Asia” http://bc.edu/schools/law/lawreviews/meta-elements/journals/bciclr/28_1/03_TXT.htm 2. Bateman, Sam “Building good orders at sea in Southeast Asia”, Guan Kwa, Chong and Skogan, John Kristen Maritime Security in Southeast Asia, Routledge, 2007, p.99-114 3. Civil Maritime Analysis Department “Worldwide Threat to Shipping” Mariner Warning Information, Office of Naval Intelligence, , 26 March 2009. http://www.maritimesecurity.com/docs/WWTS%2026Mar2009.pdf 4. David McKeeby (2008) “International Struggle Against Piracy Comes Ashore in Somalia” America.gov. http://www.america.gov/st/peacesec-english/2008/December/20081217100347idybeekcm0.5429651.html 5. Hahn. John R. “Piracy and Maritime Terrorism: A Seamless Transition” Naval War Coll Newport RI Joint Military Operations Dept. 2004 http://www.stormingmedia.us/51/5195/A519524.html 6. ICC Commercial Crime Services “IMB reports a cluster of pirate attacks off the East Coast of Somalia”, 31 March 2009., http://www.icc-ccs.org 7. ICC Commercial Crime Services “IMB Reports unprecedented rise in maritime hijackings” 2009, http://www.icc-ccs.org 8. ICC Commercial Crime Services “Unprecedented rise in piratical attacks” 2008, http://www.icc-ccs.org 9. “Indian Ship, 16 crewmembers hijacked.” 22 March 2009, Press TV. www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=89309§ionid=351020501 10. International Maritime Organization. “Resolutions and other decisions of the 23rd Assembly 24 November - 5 December 2003: Resolutions 936 – 965” International Maritime Organization, p.38 11. Luft, Gal and Korin, Anne. “Terrorism Goes to Sea”. Foreign Affairs. Council on Foreign Relations 2004, http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/60266/gal-luft-and-anne-korin/terrorism-goes-to-sea 12. Poseiden Security, http://www.poseidonsecurity.net/ 13. Raymond, Catherine Zara, Piracy in the waters of Southeast Asia, Guan Kwa, Chong and Skogan, John Kristen Maritime Security in Southeast Asia, Routledge, 2007 p.66-68 14. Shenker, Sarah “Growing threats of maritime muggers”. BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4350881.stm 15. White House (George W. Bush).. The National Strategy for Maritime Security, Washington, D.C., 2005, p. 2. Read More