Maritime Safety and Security Diploma

4. LEGAL AND OPERATIONAL ASPECTS OF MARITIME SECURITY

This module has a dedicated focus on security and thoroughly discusses the ISPS Code with special emphasis on implementation issues. This module initially identifies and discusses all contemporary maritime threats and provides an analysis of the framework of managing security risks at sea including the newly emerged cyber security threat. It then thoroughly examines the implementation of maritime security in different contexts by comparing traditional law-enforcement approaches under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) with other multilateral, regional, bilateral or unilateral implementation strategies permitted under international law. Finally, a detailed discussion of the ISPS Code paves the way towards optimised security operations.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Understand all types of contemporary maritime threats
  • Discuss relevant international conventions and instruments in the fields of security and the interrelation with other conventions and instruments
  • Develop a critical awareness of contemporary security challenges, particularly how the domain of security is legally framed, analysed and managed
  • Elaborate on the relation between SOLAS and the ISPS Code
  • Comprehend the main ISPS implementation issues
  • Discuss all of the critical issues of managing security at sea
  • Assess factual issues relating to ship security management and transfer the results to operational use in the corresponding instruments (assessments, plans, training drills)

Course outline

  • Summary of contemporary maritime security threats
  • The influence of crime on maritime transport
  • Piracy and terrorism at sea: facts, realities and challenges
  • The issue of “soft” maritime crimes / cyber security
  • Nature and function of international maritime law
  • The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Convention
  • The Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts (SUA) against the Safety of Maritime Navigation and the 2005 Protocol to the SUA Convention
  • International and regional organisations and regulatory bodies relevant in the domain of maritime security
  • Security enforcement at Sea by Government Entities
  • SOLAS and the ISPS Code
  • The ISPS Code’s content and division of responsibilities
  • Implementing the Ship’s Security Plan (SSP)
  • Record-keeping and training issues