Terror at Sea: Detection and Prevention the New International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and the Amended SOLAS Chapter XI-2

Abstract

This chapter reviews the development of international law concerning terror attacks at sea before the amended Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) reg. XI-2 and International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) Code. It analyzes the state of current international law. The 1988 Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA) narrowed its focus to the post-terror attack problems of jurisdiction, apprehension and prosecution when acts of terror are committed at sea in a multi-jurisdictional setting. SOLAS regulation XI-2 was amended to adopt specific measures toward the prevention of terrorism. Part B of the ISPS Code provides guidelines as to, inter alia , setting security levels, preparing security plans for ships and port facilities, control and compliance measures and conducting port State control for compliance regulation XI-2 and Part A. International shipping and port facilities are especially vulnerable to potential attacks. Keywords: compliance measures; current international law; International ship and port facility security (ISPS) code; safety of life at sea (SOLAS); safety of maritime navigation (SUA); terrorist attacks