Piracy is one of the oldest threats to maritime security, dating back to ancient times. However, in the modern era, piracy remains a significant challenge, particularly in regions like the Gulf of Aden, the South China Sea, and the Gulf of Guinea. Pirate attacks endanger the lives of seafarers, disrupt global trade, and increase shipping costs due to the need for additional security measures.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) plays a crucial role in combating piracy by setting international legal frameworks, coordinating security efforts, and promoting cooperation among nations. As a specialized United Nations agency responsible for maritime safety and security, the IMO has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure that the world's oceans remain safe for navigation.

This blog explores the role of the IMO in fighting piracy, the legal frameworks it has established, its security initiatives, and the challenges and future prospects of global anti-piracy efforts.

Understanding the International Maritime Organization (IMO)

The IMO was established in 1958 and currently has 175 member states. It is responsible for setting international maritime regulations, ensuring safety at sea, preventing pollution, and enhancing global security.
One of the IMO's key responsibilities is addressing threats such as piracy and armed robbery at sea. Over the years, it has worked alongside governments, regional organizations, and private industry stakeholders to develop policies, facilitate information sharing, and enhance law enforcement capabilities in high-risk areas.

How the IMO Combats Piracy?

The IMO's anti-piracy efforts can be categorized into five key areas:

1. Developing International Legal Frameworks
2. Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Capacity Building
3. Enhancing Ship Security Through Best Practices
4. Promoting Naval Operations and Military Cooperation
5. Supporting Prosecution and Legal Enforcement Against Pirates

International Legal Frameworks Against Piracy

One of the IMO's most critical roles is the development of international laws that govern piracy and maritime security.

Some of the most important legal instruments include:

• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) – 1982
  • Defines piracy as an illegal act of violence committed on the high seas for private gain.
  • Establishes universal jurisdiction, allowing any country to prosecute pirates.
  • Mandates coastal states to prevent piracy in their territorial waters.
• Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA) – 1988
  • Criminalizes acts of violence against ships, passengers, and crew.
  • Requires state cooperation in arresting and prosecuting maritime criminals.
  • Includes measures against maritime terrorism.
• IMO's Code of Practice for Investigating Piracy and Armed Robbery
  • Provides guidelines for reporting, investigating, and prosecuting piracy crimes.
  • Helps standardize evidence collection and legal collaboration.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Capacity Building

• The Djibouti Code of Conduct (2009)
  • Encourages intelligence sharing between African and Middle Eastern coastal states.
  • Trains naval forces and coast guards.
  • Improves maritime surveillance.
• The Yaoundé Code of Conduct (2013)
  • Promotes joint naval patrols in West and Central Africa.
  • Supports information-sharing networks.
  • Encourages legal reforms for effective prosecution.
• IMO's Capacity-Building Initiatives
  • Improves port security.
  • Enhances patrol capabilities in high-risk waters.
  • Helps develop national maritime laws.

Enhancing Ship Security Through Best Practices

• Best Management Practices (BMP)
  • Security guidelines to deter and delay pirate attacks.
  • Use of razor wire, water cannons, and citadels (safe rooms).
• Maritime Security Alerts
  • IMO issues real-time piracy threat updates.
  • Ships receive advisories and route recommendations.
• Use of Private Armed Guards
  • Shipping companies employ armed personnel for protection.
  • IMO regulates to ensure compliance with international laws.

4. Promoting Naval Operations and Military Cooperation

• Operation Atalanta (EU NAVFOR)
  • EU anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden.
  • Reduced pirate attacks off Somalia.
• NATO's Operation Ocean Shield
  • Protected international shipping from Somali pirates.
  • Deployed warships and surveillance aircraft.
• Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
  • 34-nation coalition conducting counter-piracy patrols.
  • Coordinates naval responses in piracy hotspots.

Supporting Prosecution and Legal Enforcement Against Pirates

Despite capturing pirates, challenges persist:

• Lack of national anti-piracy laws.
• Difficulty in collecting court-usable evidence.
• Concerns over human rights violations in trials.

IMO's efforts include:

• Encouraging regional prosecution agreements (e.g., Kenya and Seychelles).
• Providing legal training for prosecutors and judges.
• Collaborating with UNODC for fair pirate trials.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite progress, new threats emerge:

• Political instability hampers enforcement.
• Pirates use advanced technology.
• Economic hardship pushes individuals into piracy.

IMO's future strategies:

• Leverage AI and satellite tech for surveillance.
• Develop stronger cyber-security measures.
• Expand international partnerships for unified responses.

Conclusion
The IMO plays a critical role in combating piracy by setting legal frameworks, improving ship security, coordinating naval operations, and enhancing regional cooperation. While piracy has been significantly reduced in some areas, continued vigilance, legal enforcement, and technological advancements are necessary to ensure that global trade remains safe. Through stronger international cooperation and evolving security measures, the IMO continues to lead the fight against piracy, ensuring that the world's seas remain secure for future generations.

References:

• https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Security/Pages/PiracyArmedRobberydefault.aspx
• https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/security/pages/maritimesecurity.aspx
• https://www.virtualmaritime.academy/the-role-of-the-imo-in-maritime-security/?v=32570e940329
• https://books.google.com/books/about/The_role_of_the_International_Maritime_O.html?id=dHXazwEACAAJ

Written By: Joyleen Meki