Piracy
Piracy In High Seas
Introduction
In this paper, I will be discussing the various theories and methods of countering piracy/ terrorism attacks in the maritime industry. Throughout history, civilizations have expanded and triumphed due their increase in trade with other nations through maritime efforts. Without these efforts one could easily say that certain nations would not be what they are today. As of now, the advancement of technology has aided governments in protecting their merchant/military vessels from piracy and terrorist attack by way of the sea. However, the world’s oceans cover about seventy one percent of the earth’s surface and are largely unregulated. In effect, this makes it much easier for criminals to operate more freely from military and/or law enforcement. Article 101 of the 1982 United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines piracy as “any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by the crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed: against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State.”
Analysis
While there is still much dispute, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is in charge of coordinating efforts to lessen the problem. Piracy is an international issue that needs the co-operation of all nations in order for there to be a means to an end.
Piracy is different than terrorism in that the motivation is for a private end. Most piracy these days is fueled by monetary gains. Terrorism differs from piracy in that it is usually politically motivated. However, one could argue that piracy can be turned into an act of
terrorism in which a sea going vessel can be used as a weapon against any nation with port city.
In my opinion, piracy can be linked to a nations political conditions and the jurisdiction in which a nation has in high seas. As of today, there still isn’t
Introduction
In this paper, I will be discussing the various theories and methods of countering piracy/ terrorism attacks in the maritime industry. Throughout history, civilizations have expanded and triumphed due their increase in trade with other nations through maritime efforts. Without these efforts one could easily say that certain nations would not be what they are today. As of now, the advancement of technology has aided governments in protecting their merchant/military vessels from piracy and terrorist attack by way of the sea. However, the world’s oceans cover about seventy one percent of the earth’s surface and are largely unregulated. In effect, this makes it much easier for criminals to operate more freely from military and/or law enforcement. Article 101 of the 1982 United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) defines piracy as “any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation, committed for private ends by the crew or the passengers of a private ship or a private aircraft, and directed: against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State.”
Analysis
While there is still much dispute, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is in charge of coordinating efforts to lessen the problem. Piracy is an international issue that needs the co-operation of all nations in order for there to be a means to an end.
Piracy is different than terrorism in that the motivation is for a private end. Most piracy these days is fueled by monetary gains. Terrorism differs from piracy in that it is usually politically motivated. However, one could argue that piracy can be turned into an act of
terrorism in which a sea going vessel can be used as a weapon against any nation with port city.
In my opinion, piracy can be linked to a nations political conditions and the jurisdiction in which a nation has in high seas. As of today, there still isn’t
References: "Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships." IMO. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. Epps, Valerie. International Law. 5th ed. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press, 2014. "Advisories & Insights." Maritime Piracy in US Courts. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2014. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.