In 2002 the International Maritime Organisation adopted an International Ship and Port Facility Security Code containing various prescriptions for upgrading the security of maritime transport. This Code was supplemented by a regulation and a European directive. France has harmonised these norms with its own legislation in the form of a national doctrine for maritime and port security. The latter is consistent in all respects with the national anti-terrorist system (Vigipirate), and takes into account the various international initiatives relating to security, and the fight against sea-related crime. It aims to take a holistic approach to shipping, maritime approaches, ports and coastal waters. Appropriate legislation is currently being developed as part of a modernisation of the Maritime Ports Code.
Security of Maritime Transport
The maritime world is not immune to terrorist actions which may occur at any time and in any place, both at sea and in port. The attacks against the Achille Lauro in 1985, the USS Cole in 2000 and the Limbourg in 2002 demonstrate that the threat of terrorist action at sea is a reality, a fact confirmed by the intelligence services of several countries.
Any vessel can become a ‘ weapon by destination ’, or the vector of a weapon of mass destruction, and can be used against another vessel, both at sea and in port. Terrorists can also hijack ships carrying passengers or a cargo of dangerous material.
Over and above their human and environmental consequences, these acts could paralyse world commerce, of which sea transport is one of the essential vectors. Many ports, for instance, would have to close for the time needed to re-evaluate both the threat and their own level of security.
Il reste 95 % de l'article à lire
