The interplay between maritime security and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea: help or hindrance?

Abstract

This chapter will set the scene for the examination of this question by discussing the definition of maritime security, evaluating the approach of LOSC to maritime security and making an initial assessment of the interplay between LOSC and the responses

of states to maritime security. It will argue that maritime security is not simply

a concept that needs defining but a blend of threats and activities by state and

non-state actors. This will lend support to the argument that the emerging blend

of threats and activities at sea represents a paradigm shift in the international

law of the sea. As a result, LOSC can offer some help in achieving maritime

security but it is time to commence thinking about new tools and conventions

that will strengthen the security of the oceans.