OBP - Coastal State Embarked Personnel - Regional Use of Embarked Guards #Piracy #MarSec

This issue paper explores the model of coastal state embarked personnel in different regions around the world.

COASTAL STATE EMBARKED PERSONNEL

In response to violence and criminality in the maritime sector, the shipping industry has relied on several models of contracted maritime security to protect vessels and seafarers. This trend has resulted in a proliferation of weapons at sea and various types of armed security teams operating aboard private commercial vessels. If the activities of these armed maritime security teams continue to be largely ungoverned, the actions of some unaccountable actors could increase incidents of violence at sea and possibly hinder efforts to pursue sustainable rule of law solutions to maritime criminality.

Accordingly, Oceans Beyond Piracy (OBP) and other organizations within the maritime community are striving to increase transparency and oversight of maritime security operations. However, differences in function, applicable national jurisdiction, and types of services offered by maritime security providers makes assessing operational scope and designing uniform global policy for this sector a challenging endeavor.

To further classify and define each identified model of contracted maritime security. As defined in the paper, these categories include:

• Private Maritime Security: Embarked private security force personnel hired by the shipping industry.

• Vessel Protection Detachments: Uniformed military personnel embarked on a vessel with explicit approval of the Flag State.

• Coastal State Embarked Personnel: Embarked armed personnel originating from the Coastal State, based on arrangements between ship operators and the providing national authorities – not specifically endorsed by the Flag State.

• State Affiliated Escort: Escort by a State military asset

REGIONAL USE OF COASTAL STATE EMBARKED GUARDS

Areas discussed:

The Gulf of Guinea

Somalia

South East Asia

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