The desirable state of affairs at sea is one where legitimate users enjoy unmolested access to routes, markets and resources, with due regard for the sea environment, and where states exercising power at sea do so under the norms of international law. This can be called, for short, Civil Order at Sea.

The world is currently a long way from that ideal. Criminal threats to Civil Order include piracy on the high seas and sea robbery in territorial waters, with over 400 attacks a year world-wide, and container crime running into billions of pounds annually. Terrorist threats, though presently not as frequent or acute as those on land, are growing, as is shown by the attacks on USS Cole and the tanker Limburg. Moreover their effect, in ports or near coasts, could be catastrophic; ship explosions in Halifax, Bari and Mumbai, in world wars 1 and 2, each took thousands of lives.

Responses to the threats have markedly increased since 11 September 2001. The new International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code leads a multitude of administrative measures to tighten up the management of international shipping, and meanwhile many technological initiatives are under way to improve surveillance and protection of ships and port facilities. Behind every measure lies the need for comprehensive and timely intelligence.

But in a complicated and diverse global economy such measures are bound to be patchy, and information and discussion about them is not as broad or as deep as it should be. A Conference, led by experts in the field, can serve to expand the knowledge of those most nearly concerned, and point them towards the most promising routes for development – both material and administrative – in promoting world security at sea.

The Conference

The high-level conference will debate the urgent issues arising from threats and responses to civil order at sea. The speakers represent EU, UK and US enforcement authorities; the law; international bodies; governmental and commercial entities. It will be of interest to:

• International lawyers and judiciary
• Police forces, coastguard and customs authorities
• Naval and other armed forces
• Ship-owners, operators and managers
• International agencies
• National government, EU and international policymakers
• Maritime industry suppliers such as ship builders and marine equipment
• Insurance and underwriting interests

The Conference Dinner

The conference dinner, to be held on Thursday, 22nd June at the historic Armourers and Brasiers’ Livery Hall, will be addressed by Rear Admiral David Snelson, Chief of Staff (Capability), Royal Navy; he was Commander of UK Maritime Forces from 2002 to 2004, during which time be commanded the UK Maritime Force for Operation Telic (Iraqi Freedom).

Attendance Fees (VAT not applicable)

• Two-day conference including papers, lunches and refreshment
  breaks: £395
• Conference dinner including drinks reception and four-course dinner
  with wine: £80