Maritime security encompasses the protection of ships, ports, and coastal areas from various threats, including piracy, terrorism, and smuggling. With roots in ancient naval conflicts, it has evolved over centuries to address modern challenges. Today, maritime security combines international regulations, advanced technologies, and specialized practices to safeguard global trade routes and ensure the safety of vessels and their crews.
What Is Maritime Security?
Maritime security refers to the measures and strategies implemented to protect vessels, ports, maritime infrastructure, and the open seas from threats and illegal activities. It encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at ensuring the safety and security of maritime operations.
This type of security plays a critical role in global trade, as the majority of goods are transported by sea. It ensures the safe and uninterrupted flow of commerce, protecting economic interests and maintaining international stability.
The History of Maritime Security
The sea has long been a battleground for law and power. The Romans coined the term mare nostrum (our sea) to assert control over the Mediterranean, leading to the idea of mare clausum (closed sea) during the Age of Discovery when Portugal and Spain divided maritime territories for national gain. In 1609, Dutch philosopher Hugo Grotius challenged this with mare liberum (free sea), promoting freedom of navigation and trade.
Grotius’ vision evolved into the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), first adopted in 1958 and expanded in 1994. UNCLOS established zones like territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZs), granting nations rights over resources.
Until the late 20th century, maritime security focused on naval conflict and piracy. This changed after attacks like the USS Cole bombing in 2000 and 9/11, prompting new strategies and regulations, such as the ISPS Code in 2002.
Piracy in Southeast Asia, Somalia, and West Africa during the early 2000s highlighted economic risks and dangers to seafarers, pushing maritime security to the forefront for policymakers and the shipping industry. Events like the 2008 Mumbai attacks further exposed vulnerabilities, driving home the need for stronger maritime awareness and defense.
The Regulatory Environment
Maritime security relies on international regulations led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The key framework is the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, enforced in 2004. UNCLOS, established in 1984, also outlines prohibitions against piracy.
In response to Somali piracy, the UN Security Council passed resolutions like 1846 (2008) and 1918 (2010), urging nations to criminalize piracy domestically. While ratified, few countries fully implemented these laws.
The U.S. took early action in 2004 with its Maritime Security Policy, launching operations to prevent illicit maritime activities. NATO followed in 2011, including maritime security in its Alliance Maritime Strategy.
Despite slow legislative adoption, many nations formed maritime security agencies, such as Pakistan’s Maritime Security Agency, to strengthen efforts against threats at sea.
Practical Problems Facing Maritime Security
Piracy and Armed Robbery
Piracy and armed robbery continue to pose significant threats to maritime security. The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported a rise in attacks on ships and crews in 2019/2020, with the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa responsible for over 90% of maritime kidnappings. Despite this, ship hijackings in early 2020 hit their lowest levels since 1993.
Southeast Asia, particularly the Straits of Malacca and the Celebes Sea, also experiences piracy, though armed robbery is more common.
Somali piracy surged in the early 2000s due to civil unrest, peaking between 2008 and 2013. This spurred shipping companies to hire private maritime security personnel (PCASP) to safeguard ships and crews. While effective, the use of private security raises legal challenges, as armed personnel require approval from the ship’s flag state and must adhere to strict Rules for the Use of Force (RUF).
Terrorism
Maritime terrorism is a key concern for maritime security, involving terrorist acts at sea, in ports, or against vessels, platforms, and coastal areas. The Council for Security Cooperation in the Asia Pacific defines it as attacks targeting ships, port facilities, or coastal settlements. Similarly, the 1988 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation outlines threats like hijacking, damaging ships or cargo, and harming passengers or crew.
Though rare, high-profile incidents such as the 1961 Santa Maria hijacking and the USS Cole bombing in 2000 highlight the risks. The 9/11 attacks spurred global efforts to strengthen maritime security, leading to the creation of the ISPS Code. Since its implementation, no major maritime terror attacks have occurred.
Smuggling and Drug Trafficking
Smuggling and drug trafficking remain major threats to global maritime security. In Latin America, maritime drug routes are the primary channels for transporting cocaine from the Andean region to global markets. An estimated 90% of cocaine produced there is moved by sea, impacting countries across the region.
Traffickers use commercial shipping to conceal drugs within cargo or containers, with narco submarines also playing a role. This method allows organized crime to move large quantities unnoticed, posing risks to ships and ports. Crews are often unaware their vessel is being used for smuggling, but if caught, companies and seafarers face severe fines, penalties, or imprisonment.
Smuggling extends beyond drugs to include undeclared items like tobacco, which can bypass customs and fund organized crime. As maritime trafficking grows, so does the need for stronger security measures to protect global shipping lanes and prevent illicit trade.
Port Security
Port security plays a critical role in maritime security, focusing on protecting seaports, enforcing laws and treaties, and preventing terrorism. It involves safeguarding port facilities, inspecting cargo, and monitoring surrounding maritime areas.
Key risks include physical threats to port infrastructure and vulnerabilities within the maritime supply chain. Ensuring secure port operations helps prevent smuggling, trafficking, and potential attacks, strengthening global trade and transportation networks.
Cyber Security Threats
With modern ships becoming more connected, cyber security has emerged as a major maritime concern. Since January 2021, the IMO has mandated that cyber security be integrated into the International Safety Management Code.
However, many ships face cyber vulnerabilities due to limited awareness among operators and crew. Critical navigation systems like ECDIS, GPS, AIS, and RADAR are potential targets for cyberattacks, highlighting the need for stronger defenses to safeguard maritime operations.
EPI and Maritime Security
The Executive Protection Institute (EPI) plays a role in maritime security by training professionals to safeguard high-profile individuals, assets, and vessels in maritime environments. EPI equips executive protection agents with the skills needed to handle threats at sea, including piracy, smuggling, and terrorism.
Through specialized courses, EPI covers risk assessment, secure travel planning, and emergency response for yachts, cruise ships, and port facilities. Agents learn to manage maritime-specific challenges such as boarding protocols, perimeter defense, and coordinating with naval forces or coast guards.
EPI’s focus on proactive threat mitigation and situational awareness enhances the safety of clients during maritime operations, ensuring secure passage and protection in international waters.
To learn more about training in maritime security, make sure to check out the EPI calendar.