MARITIME PIRACY AND SECURITY

Author – AYUSH B. GURAV, STUDENT OF ILS LAW COLLEGE, PUNE

Best Citation – AYUSH B. GURAV, MARITIME PIRACY AND SECURITY, MARITIME LAW AND POLICY REVIEW, 1 (1) of 2023, Pg. 34-39, ISBN – 978-81-960677-9-3.

Abstract

International peace and security on the oceans are currently faced with variety of threats. Maritime Piracy being one of them is a global challenge and a serious problem endangering the welfare of seafarers and the security of sea communication. Maritime piracy is a crime under municipal laws of the States as well as under international law. Traditionally pirates have been considered ‘enemies of mankind’. The suppression of piracy can therefore be considered as a common interest of the international community.

The Article provides an introduction to Maritime piracy and discusses customary international law and law-making conventions relating to piracy. It also emphasizes that; all States are required to cooperate and take effective measures to prevent and suppress piracy. India’s response to the security challenges posed by maritime piracy in the Indian Ocean region, through the introduction of the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022 has also been discoursed under this Article.

The subject matter of Maritime piracy and security is so vast and changing from sporadic smash-and-grab crime to highly developed organised crime. However, a humble attempt is made in this Article to analyze the threat of Maritime piracy and the security measure undertaken on an international level as well as on the national level.

Keywords : Maritime Piracy, pirates, maritime security, high seas, UNCLOS, Indian Ocean, piracy jurisdiction.