EEZ Policing: the role of surface vessels

Abstract

Many theories are expounded on the most effective means of carrying out policing duties within the EEZ and it would seem that aircraft frequently emerge as the favoured option. Full analysis of probable policing evolutions within an EEZ using a systems approach is, however, likely to show that it is not simply one type of resource that is best, but rather a mix of resources used in a controlled and coordinated way which will determine the effectiveness of any system. This resource mix includes surface vessels and the following comments are intended to show that they can and will continue to have an important role in EEZ policing. Any reference to equipment is to standard use types available from commercial sources and for present purposes the discussion is confined to fixed wing aircraft and conventional surface vessel types. This point is made because it is the author’s view that EEZ policing is not achieved simply by throwing military type hardware at a defined problem. Many agencies and authorities cha...