Legal frameworks for maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region: Prospects and proposals

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) identified maritime safety and security as one of the six priority areas for cooperation among the member states. Hence, there is a need to develop a legal framework for maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, ratify applicable international legal conventions on maritime security and create a system for the resolution of disputes among IORA member states. This paper proposes that there exists a strong case for the IORA charter to be amended to provide for a mechanism that IORA member states can use as a forum for dispute resolution. It argues that such a forum will create a platform for member states for deliberating weighty and controversial issues without jeopardising progress within the association. The paper further proposes the creation of an IORA legal group of experts whose mandate should include the development of a maritime security framework for the Indian Ocean Region, which is critical to the promotion of good order at sea.