Posted: March 4th, 2024
The Development of New Security Measures to Combat Piracy
The Development of New Security Measures to Combat Piracy
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Research Objectives
2. Current Security Measures against Piracy
2.1 Overview of Existing Measures
2.2 Limitations and Challenges
2.3 Case Studies
3. Emerging Technologies for Piracy Prevention
3.1 Technological Innovations
3.2 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
3.3 Blockchain Technology
3.4 Biometrics and Authentication Systems
4. Future Directions and Recommendations
4.1 Potential Strategies for Enhanced Security
4.2 Collaboration and Information Sharing
4.3 Legal and Policy Considerations
The Development of New Security Measures to Combat Piracy
1. Introduction
The rapid advancement of technology revolutionized the way people interact, consume and produce products. However, the digital age also brings serious challenges, such as the rampant piracy around the world. The 21st century piracy is no longer a group of rogue sailors attacking ships, but an organized crime exploiting the vulnerability of the digital information transmission. According to the International Maritime Bureau, the report reveals that piracy on the high seas has reached its highest level since 1998. On the other hand, international organizations and governments are making efforts to combat piracy and protect international shipping lanes and trade routes. Unfortunately, the existing security measures are not adequate to deter and prevent piracy. For example, the Public Safety Committee of the International Association of Classification Societies pointed out that traditional ways to control access to vessels and ports, such as the use of security guards and fences, are no longer effective in the modern technology-driven world. Digital piracy, another type of piracy happened in cyberspace, is particularly challenging because of the intangible and uncontrollable nature of the digital works. In response to the limitations of existing security measures, this study investigates the development of new security measures to combat piracy. The objectives are to examine the strengths and limitations of the current security measures, to identify the possible areas where technology and digital innovation may contribute to the piracy prevention, and to provide a roadmap for the future development of security measures. It is important to note that piracy prevention in this context refers to the protection of ships and vessels as well as the sea and not the illegal duplication of digital works. This report focuses on the physical security measures for maritime and shipping industry.
1.1 Background
The Maritime Security Programme (MSP) is an International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code compliant system in Sri Lanka. The ISPS code was developed following the terrorist attacks in the United States in September 2001, and the code came into effect internationally on 1st July 2004. The code is implemented through chapter XI/2 of the SOLAS convention, and the definitive guidelines for the implementation of the ISPS code were adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in December 2002. The ISPS code acknowledges that no single country has the ability to counter the threat to maritime security or to interdict every act of terrorism at sea, and that ships and port facilities in many different countries must take steps to improve their security in order to make the whole international shipping community more secure from the threat of terrorism. The ISPS Code sets out the responsibilities of governments, shipping companies, shipboard personnel, and port facility operators to detect security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade. The code is divided into two sections: one for ships and another for ports. It requires the port and ships to conduct vulnerability assessments, develop security plans, and designate security officers and have measures in place to maintain proper security conditions. Every ship and every port in the world is now covered by the ISPS code and must be compliant with regulations. The security in the port, through the adoption of the access control procedures, is enhanced. This implementation of this process would mean that the general public could not enter the port unless they have business to conduct. Random searches of people and vehicles arriving at the port are carried out. The passengers are required to provide age and identity details in compliance with the measures, and no loitering is allowed. The port security personnel who carry out these measures must have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities and of the Maritime Security Levels. The training is an essential part of the compliance with the ISPS code and the international conventions.
1.2 Problem Statement
The findings of the research will be relevant to a broad range of industry stakeholders, including shipping companies, technology developers, policymakers, and international maritime organizations, who are all invested in combating piracy and ensuring the safety and security of seafarers and global trade.
In this context, the research objectives of the study are: to critically evaluate the current security measures adopted in the maritime industry; to explore how the effectiveness of these measures can be improved through the use of new technologies; and to investigate what new security measures are on the horizon and how they might be implemented. By meeting these objectives, the study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of security within the maritime industry, as well as considering what the future of maritime security might look like.
The rise in piracy in recent years has posed a significant threat to the safety and security of seafarers, the environment, and the global economy. Maritime piracy frequently occurs in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, with attackers using increasingly violent and sophisticated methods. Existing security measures, such as the deployment of international naval forces and defensive measures by the shipping industry, have achieved some success in combating piracy, but the problem remains. There is a need for improved security measures, not only to respond to current threats but also to anticipate and prevent future attacks.
1.3 Research Objectives
The main objective of the research is to explore and investigate the development of new security measures to combat piracy. Two specific research objectives are confirmed. The first objective is to critically review the existing literature to discover and generate new knowledge about piracy and security measures. This includes studying the fundamental concepts about piracy, the kinds of security measures being used currently in the maritime industry, and any latest development in this area. Through the literature review, it is anticipated that the new security measures which are going to be developed can be built upon the available technology to address the potential future development of piracy. The second objective is to ensure that the proposed methods in improving the security measures are validated. By conducting and testing whether the existing security loopholes can be addressed by the newly developed security system, it is ensured that the proposed methods discussed in this topic can be literally implemented to real-life situations. Moreover, the data collected from the testing can be used to substantiate the results produced from the literature review, and it can become a solid foundation for the final conclusion of the research.
2. Current Security Measures against Piracy