Integrating Maritime Surveillance

Integrating Maritime Surveillance
Key EESC messages
  • The EESC welcomes the EU political will to place maritime security at the top of its political agenda and endorses its strategic cross-sectoral approach building on existing achievements without creating new structures. This approach will create jobs and make the maritime profession more attractive to seafarers.
  • The EESC reiterates the need for closer cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding implementation of its Conventions dealing with maritime security to provide the legal basis for prosecution.
  • Implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code should be stepped up in EU ports and in ports of third countries (e.g. West Africa) as a way of preventing piracy, armed robbery and cargo theft incidents. ISPS compliance is required for the scanning of containers which can act as Trojan horses in ports.
  • The EESC reiterates the need for more systematic tracking of the financial flows of piracy and of other illegal activities at sea in collaboration with the UN, NATO and the US.
  • The EESC urges the EU institutions to exert political and diplomatic pressure in response to the escalation of piracy in West Africa. Nigeria should be offered assistance to upgrade its coastguard and be encouraged to allow other nations' armed guards to enter its waters.
  • Internationally agreed standards for maritime security companies should be introduced. The ISOPAS 28007 standard will ensure a level playing field for private armed guard companies globally.
  • The EESC notes that piracy prosecutions are failing to effectively deter due to the considerable variation in court sentences. A harmonised piracy law is required to face an international crime like piracy and put an end to impunity.
  • The EESC welcomes the proposal to forge partnerships between all maritime security stakeholders at EU level and within the Member States, including industry, the social partners and civil society. Implementation of existing legislation in cooperation with the social partners should make for a more cost-effective approach to maritime security.
  • The EESC believes that the fundamental human rights, principles and values enshrined in EU law should be taken into account when implementing the European Maritime Security Strategy and promoted in countries outside the EU.
  • The EESC stresses the need to preserve the EU's biodiversity and maritime resources, be they fisheries or mineral resources in its territorial waters, from potential threats.

 

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