The shipping industry is so important that the entire world relies on its success, however, many overlook the workers who make international trade possible. Maritime workers face many safety and security risks. For this reason “The Lanier Law Firm” wanted to make a maritime safety guide to shed some light on these issues and also to help educate others.

The backbone of global trade and the global economy

Nearly all world industries rely heavily on maritime shipping. Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon once stated, “Maritime transport is the backbone of global trade and the global economy.” Maritime shipping is also considered one of the safest and most environmentally-friendly modes of goods transportation.

Due to the vastness of the oceans, safety has always been foundational to the shipping industry. The shipping industry was one of the first industries to implement comprehensive international safety standards set forth by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

This maritime safety guide condenses the many rules and regulations ensuring safety across marine waterways: https://www.lanierlawfirm.com/maritime-safety-guide

Current maritime security issues

Common current maritime security issues include:

Trespassing: Ships might enter a foreign country or territory without prior permission.

Terror attacks: Terrorism can destroy valuable property and poses a significant security threat.

Illegal maritime trade like fishing: Illegal fishing has led to considerable property destruction when the associated parties clash.

Piracy: Maritime piracy is a major threat in the industry, leading to economic loss, lost time, transport delays, and high insurance rates.

Human trafficking: Human trafficking can involve children, women, and men who have been exposed to hardships, sexual violence, and trauma.

Environmental pollution: Oil spills affect maritime species. Air pollution from gas emissions poses a substantial risk to all living things.

Thievery: Cargo theft can cost millions of dollars, resulting in poor economic growth.

Future Security Threats in the Maritime Industry

Maritime security is constantly changing. In the future, the industry will face risks like:

Cyberattacks: Most companies increasingly rely on technology, leaving vessels vulnerable to remote attacks at sea.

Poor equipment: International maritime organizations need modern weapons to deal with potential terror attacks.

Global warming: Just as extreme temperatures affect maritime personnel, global warming will also affect maritime industry staff, potentially causing severe health issues.

Smart contract hacking: As hacking technology evolves, cases of contract hacking might increase.

Maritime cloud vulnerability: Cloud vulnerability can cause insufficient integration, maintenance, and design of cyber-related systems.

Social engineering attacks: Malicious activity can pose significant risks to the maritime industry. Staff can engage in dangerous social activity, make security mistakes, or give away sensitive information.

Taking Maritime Safety Seriously

The safety of any ship is reliant on the awareness and diligence of every crewmember, but the vessel security officer (VSO) handles daily tasks that are specifically focused on security and accident prevention. It’s a serious job that requires a deep understanding of the vessel, the crew, and, of course, the many dangers of living life at sea.

See https://www.lanierlawfirm.com

Photos credits: Lanier; Nozomi; AE