Coastguards adopt Amarsective 2004

IN A move that is seen as a further crack down on maritime security threats in the region, Asian coastguard agencies have unanimously adopted the Asia Maritime Security Initiative 2004 (Amarsective 2004). 

The stand was taken during the Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies meeting in Tokyo on June 18, and is expected to set in motion a list of measures that have been drawn-up to address maritime security concerns, including terrorism. 

Among other things, the Amarsective 2004 sets out the commitments and responsibilities of coastguard agencies, and areas of regional and technical assistance and information sharing. 

It is aimed at tackling the problems of piracy, terrorism and unlawful acts at sea with the intention of enhancing maritime security and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of sea borne trade. 

The meeting's chairman, Japanese Coast Guard commandant Kenichi Fukaya welcomed the move and said it demonstrated Asian's coastguard agencies' determination to commit and co-ordinate in the problems of piracy and armed robberies. 

The gathering was attended by participants from 17 countries and 12 observers including the US Coastguard Far East Activities, International Maritime Organisation and ICC-International Maritime Bureau (IMB). 

During the meeting, a proposal was also put forward on the need to put up a new mechanism for information exchange regarding ship movements in Asia. 

It was hoped that such a method would provide seamless data sharing and thus contribute towards successfully deterring and preventing unlawful acts at sea. With regards to maritime terrorism, the Japanese Coast Guard recommended the formation of a list of contact points to share information on such threats. 

It further suggested the conducting of joint exercises and plans to provide technical assistance in law enforcement. The problem of maritime terrorism has become an area of concern as worldwide piracy attacks continue to grow. 

Fears have been triggered that if left unchecked the piracy problem could worsen into more sinister acts of terrorism and become a breeding ground for terrorist activities. 

This issue will also be touched upon at the 5th tri-annual IMB meeting on piracy and maritime security to be held in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow and on Wednesday. 

Terrorism and security expert Brian Jenkins will lead a discussion on the real threat of maritime terrorism and what the actual situation warrants. 

International experts and law enforcement agencies from around the world will gather to discuss the piracy and security threat faced by the maritime community. 

The group will also examine new developments, initiatives and talk about the way forward in solving the problem, which has been raised as a concern by governments and the shipping industry. 

Speakers from the IMB, the United Kingdom Metropolitan Police and the legal field will consider piracy statistics, major hotspots, changes taking place, safety and environmental aspects and how to handle kidnap and ransom cases. 

They will also look at new legal developments, future challenges and how to cope with the incidents. 

Another session will examine maritime security and address issues such as international co-operation, the soon-to-be implemented International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the human element in maritime security and initiatives. 

The Limburg case will also be analysed. A boat packed with explosives rammed into the oil tanker, off Yemen, in October 2002. 

A third session will focus on the response by law enforcement agencies and governments in combating crime at sea. 

Delegates from TRANSEC UK, the Nippon Foundation, Zurich Financial Services, Petroships and the Royal Malaysian Marine Police will discuss government initiatives, resources in the fight against piracy and technological measures available. 

Other areas include ways to overcome jurisdictional issues, protecting the Straits of Malacca and the insurance industry’s perspective on the matter. 

The two-day programme will also include an anti-piracy measure demonstration by Malaysia’s maritime agencies namely the Marine Police, Navy, Marine Department and the Customs and Fisheries Department. 

back to top