Browsing by Browse by SEO 2008 "810108 Navy"

There has been a recent increase in clashes between warships asserting rights to navigate and states asserting sovereignty over coastal waters. This book argues for a set of rules which respect the rights of coastal states to protect their sovereignty and of warships to navigate lawfully, whilst also outlining the limits of each.

The book addresses the issue of the clash between warships and states by considering the general principles applying to use of force in the law of the sea and the law of national self-defence. It focuses on the right of coastal states to use force to prevent passage of warships which threaten their sovereignty, with particular reference to the specific maritime zones, as well as by warships to ensure passage or to defend themselves. The book also assesses the extent to which the law of armed conflict may be applicable to these issues. The conclusion draws together a set of rules which take account of both contemporary and historical events and seeks to balance the competing interests at stake.

Providing a concise overview of the enduring issue of freedom of navigation, this book will appeal to anyone studying international law, the law of the sea, security studies and international relations. It will also be of interest to naval, coast guard and military officers as well as government legal advisors.

Statistics released last month by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) shows a steady decline in pirate attacks from Somalia. Good news, of course, for the shipping industry and a welcome acknowledgment for the actors involved in fighting piracy in the Gulf of Aden. At the same time, we are witnessing an increase of piracy in Southeast Asia. Will the same counter-piracy methods employed in the Gulf of Aden assist in reducing piracy in Southeast Asia? 2011 proved to be a dramatic year for the shipping industry, with 237 actual and attempted attacks ascribed to Somali pirates, 2012 showed a remarkable decline of approximately 68%, to 75 actual and attempted attacks. In the first half of 2013 only eight attacks have been recorded. We can attribute the decline in piracy off the coast of Somalia to a mixture of counter-piracy methods. Somali pirates frequently travel far from the mainland, using 'mother boats' and skiffs to close in on their targets. Often armed with AK47s and RPGs, and potentially violent when approaching a ship, the pirates, when in charge, are not considered violent towards the crew - indeed, they need the crew (de Coster & Herbert, 'The Somali Piracy Model: Coming to a Sea Near You', WPR, February 2012). The pirates' aim is to hijack an entire ship, sail it back to Somali waters and demand ransom for its release. As of mid-August (2013), 4 vessels and 68 hostages are being held by Somali pirates according to the IMB.