The importance of maritime security in the Mediterranean : an International Law approach

Abstract

The focus of this term paper is the contemporary maritime crimes and threats that are currently impacting the maritime security within the Mediterranean Sea. Although there has been significant progress towards regulating maritime security law, new trends have resulted towards the need for international bodies and national governments to come together and further intensify these maritime rules. The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is considered to be the primary source towards regulating maritime security, however the lack of providing definite responses and concrete regulations concerning such crimes is evident. Possible lacunae at law could deter a substantial amount of activity which could have an economic, political and social effect. The security threats within the Mediterranean, such as the illicit trafficking and smuggling of drugs, weapons and people together with the rapid increase in terrorism have left both shipping companies and authorities cautious and concerned for the safety of the lives of persons at sea. Currently, several states within the borders of the Mediterranean Sea have experienced irregular behaviour as a result of the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings and instability within the Middle East with reference to Syria, where the nation is in constant civil war. These atrocities have seen a large influx of irregular migration movements, where people risk their lives to reach safer states and attempt to seek asylum and find peace. This term paper aims to highlight and identify these security threats by evaluating all the prevailing and relevant international instruments regulating such maritime security and understand whether there is enough recognition concerning this matter. Furthermore, the need for adequate and immediate action and ideas to help suppress these crimes from disrespecting the peace and freedom of safety of navigation at sea is of paramount importance, in order to ensure that the Mediterranean Sea remains one of the most trusted and reliable shipping routes in the world.