Maritime Security Dynamics of Archipelagic States with Focus on Maldives

Abstract

Archipelagic waters are created when an archipelagic state meeting the qualifications of article 47 of the Law of the Sea (LOS) convention draws archipelagic baselines joining the outermost points of the outermost islands and drying reefs of the archipelago. Maldives is an archipelagic state with 99.7% of the area is sea situated in the birthplace of maritime civilization- the Indian Ocean. In recent years, Maldives has seen a growing inclination towards its maritime environment with the expanding economy fuelled by growing international tourism, shipping, overseas trade and fisheries. Owing to the strategic position of the country and its proximity to vital Sea Line of Communication (SLOC) that are infested with rising threats and crimes. Though Maldives does not have any territorial disputes with neighboring countries, country is facing great challenges in dealing with narcotics, ERF and other non- traditional maritime threats especially environmental challenges. Maldives is facing various threats for her existence other than the issues faced due to climate changes. To deal with these challenges Maldives maritime agencies need to be conceptualized, instead of Marine Police under the Maldives Police Service, and other government institutions such as Customs Marine Department under Maldives Customs Service and Immigration Marine Department under Maldives Immigration working independently. Maldives Maritime Authority can be formed to work under one umbrella to oversee functions of the above mentioned departments. Hence law enforcement at sea will be more effective, economizing the effort and resources while serving the people effectively to deter future threats and uncertainty.