Transparency in the application of maritime regulations and security
Transparency in the application of maritime regulations and security is a crucial aspect of ensuring a safe and secure shipping industry. With globalization and the increasing demand for international trade, the importance of having a robust and transparent regulatory framework cannot be overstated. The maritime industry is a major contributor to the global economy, with shipping carrying over 90% of world trade by volume. It is, therefore, essential that the regulatory framework governing the industry is transparent and consistent, so as to ensure the safety of ships and their crew, protect the marine environment, and maintain the flow of international trade.
Maritime regulations are put in place to govern various aspects of the shipping industry, such as the construction and maintenance of ships, the training and certification of seafarers, and the protection of the marine environment. These regulations are developed and enforced by international organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as national and regional authorities. However, the inconsistent application of these regulations across different jurisdictions can create confusion and undermine their effectiveness.
One example of the need for transparency in the application of maritime regulations is the issue of maritime security. The 9/11 terrorist attacks led to the introduction of measures aimed at improving the security of ships and port facilities. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code was adopted by the IMO in response to these measures, and it is now a mandatory requirement for ships and port facilities worldwide. Despite the universal adoption of the ISPS Code, its implementation and enforcement vary greatly between different countries and regions.
For instance, in some countries, ships are subject to rigorous security inspections, while in others, they are only subject to minimal checks. This inconsistency in the application of the ISPS Code creates confusion and undermines its effectiveness in improving maritime security. It is essential that the implementation and enforcement of the ISPS Code is transparent and consistent, so that ships can be confident that they will receive the same level of security, regardless of where they call.
Another example of the need for transparency in the application of maritime regulations is the issue of environmental protection. The shipping industry has a significant impact on the marine environment, and regulations have been put in place to minimize this impact. For example, the IMO has introduced regulations aimed at reducing the emission of air pollutants from ships. However, the inconsistent application of these regulations across different jurisdictions can result in some ships being subject to more stringent regulations than others.
For instance, ships calling at ports in regions with strict environmental regulations may be subject to more stringent controls and penalties than ships calling at ports in regions with less stringent regulations. This inconsistency in the application of environmental regulations undermines the effectiveness of these regulations in protecting the marine environment and can lead to unfair competition between ships operating in different regions.
The lack of transparency in the application of maritime regulations and security can also lead to corruption. The maritime industry is a complex and highly regulated industry, and the inconsistent application of regulations can create opportunities for corruption to thrive. For example, ships may be able to avoid compliance with regulations by paying bribes to port officials or regulatory authorities. This not only undermines the effectiveness of the regulations but also contributes to a culture of corruption in the maritime industry.
To ensure the transparency in the application of maritime regulations and security, it is essential that international and national regulatory authorities work together to ensure that regulations are consistently applied and enforced. This can be achieved through the development of harmonized regulations and the sharing of information and best practices between different jurisdictions.
The importance of transparency in the application of maritime regulations and security cannot be overstated. The maritime industry is a major contributor to the global economy, and the consistent and transparent application of regulations is essential for ensuring the safety of ships and their crew, protecting the marine environment,
Bibliography.
Alsos, O.A., Hodne, P., Skåden, O.K. and Porathe, T., 2022, July. Maritime autonomous surface ships: Automation transparency for nearby vessels. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 2311, No. 1, p. 012027). IOP Publishing.
Cucinelli, J., Goerlandt, F. and Pelot, R., 2023. Exploring risk governance deficits of maritime Search and Rescue in Canada. Marine Policy, 149, p.105511.
Komala, M.G., Ong, S.G., Qadri, M.U., Elshafie, L.M., Pollock, C.A. and Saad, S., 2023. Investigating the Regulatory Process, Safety, Efficacy and Product Transparency for Nutraceuticals in the USA, Europe and Australia. Foods, 12(2), p.427.
