What Is Maritime Security – Common Risks & How To prevent Them

If you live near the sea, you must have heard the term “Maritime Security.” It is related to marine life and vessel protection.

The Nigerian coastline lies on the West Coast of Africa and covers approximately 853 km. 

Armed robbers often breach maritime security in Nigeria. Private maritime security companies in Nigeria prevent criminals from running their terrorist activities.

In this article, we will discuss what is maritime security, its importance, and some common problems involving naval security.

So, let’s dig in.

What Is Maritime Security?

There is no specific definition for maritime security. It is a widely used buzzword that connects marine life and vessel security both on and offshore.

It is one of the biggest industries in the world that relates to international relations, national security, marine environment, economic development, and human security. 

Maritime security also suggests regulating the manufacture of vessels and naval facilities, the constant control of their safety procedures, and educating the marine professionals to comply with the regulations.

Importance Of Maritime Security

Maritime security is of utmost importance to the world as there are concerns involving piracy to weapons and drugs smuggling in the sea. It ensures minimal crimes happening on and offshore. The shipping industry heavily depends on maritime security for smooth operation. Without it, the open sea will be the playground of terrorists and smugglers. 

The global economy will come to a standstill, workers will be unable to do their jobs, and the shipping industry will not operate at total capacity.

According to the Times of India, on 18th January 2022, an incident happened where a suspected drone attack killed two crew members on an Israeli tanker in the north Arabian sea near Oman.

This is one of many incidents of terrorist attacks on the sea.

So, the importance of maritime security is beyond words.

Common Problems Involving Maritime Security

Ensuring proper maritime in today’s marine industry is a difficult task. Security breaches often happen if there’s a lack of vigilance. 

Security officers need to look out for criminals and prevent their attempts to breach national and international law and security. For this, they need to know how to be vigilant against all local and international threats. 

Even small attacks can cause harm to marine life, and people may lose their lives. Severe damage to the environment or injury to the company property can occur. 

The risks involved with maritime security are:

1. Thieves And Armed Robbers 

Ships or vessels transport useful commodities and resources. Sometimes thieves and robbers attempt to steal the items from those ships and boats. Security officers need to be vigilant to ensure that the sensitive and valuable cargo is secure.

1. Trespassers

Security officers must ensure that unauthorised personnel can’t access and damage any sensitive equipment when their vessel is in port. After the official crew members conduct all the vessel operations accurately, a trespasser may fiddle with the cargo’s rigging or other sensitive gears, leading to heavy consequences.

1. Terrorists

Advanced modern technologies and international logistics have opened new roads for terrorists and criminals. Often, they use marine ships to transport weapons and drugs.

The shipping industry is their primary target. Terrorists use vessels and sometimes people to move illegal goods. They use the shipping industries to damage international, economic, and political security and the citizens’ safety. Security officers need to be vigilant about the terrorists\’ pathways to attack.

So it’s the job of the marine professionals to protect the ships and, therefore, their country from the threats, as the maritime shipping sector is an international business.

1. Smugglers

Increased trade and economic globalisation in the maritime sector have expanded international crimes. Drugs and arms trafficking has become a large business, and shipping is their preferred method of transport.

Smugglers attempt to get around the security measures. The industry of shipping is vast, and that makes it an easy target. It is difficult to check every ship thoroughly as they carry out thousands of containers. Smugglers know this, and they use it to their advantage. However, the K9 search party can handle that.

1. Pirates

Piracy was a significant problem in the 17th and early 18th centuries. Today’s pirates and criminals are usually well-organised and equipped with advanced communication and equipment. Huge ships that carry millions of dollars worth of commodities tempt criminals to attack them.

Comprehensive training can help crew members prepare for and deal with a piracy attack safely, thereby ensuring maritime security.

1. Human And Drug Traffickers

Human trafficking also concerns international marine security. Unlawful trafficking in the maritime sector has been ongoing for an extended period. People are either escaping political turmoil or being trafficked against their will. It’s not easy to catch all the illegitimate immigrants, but they can introduce proper security techniques to minimise the pressing problem.

The illegal drug or weapons trade and trafficking have also become a vital issue that affects global maritime security. Drug smugglers have made up complex systems for transporting and distributing illegal drugs.

1. Environment Pollution

The ocean gets polluted by large-scale commercial affairs like inevitable incidents which damage the environment. Security officers should ensure that the ecosystem is not damaged by their vessels and operations. Especially in the petroleum industry, they should enforce proper safety protocols to avoid future disasters.

1. War Risks

War risks are an area of concern for maritime security. They affect both the shipping industry and the people who earn their livelihood from the sea. It is an international matter of Naval warfare and marine conflict – in a broader context. 

1. Hackers

The modern technology of the 21st century and the connectivity on modern ships has become a cyber security concern for maritime security.  Cyber security needs to be addressed, according to IMO’s requirements, to be under the International Safety Management Code from January 1, 2021.

To Conclude,

To know what is maritime security, how important it is, and how to ensure it, we need to focus on the factors that cause the security breach such as thieves, robbers, trespassers, terrorists, smugglers, pirates, human and drug traffickers, environment pollution, war risks, and hackers.

Contact us to hire our private maritime security for a safe and secure voyage of your cargo.