Ship security alert systems subject of study

Ship security alert systems subject of study The Nanyang Technological University’s S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore has commissioned a study into the use of ship security alert systems.
   Thomas Timlen, a visiting research fellow at the university, will lead the study, which will examine the use of ship security alert systems, explore how flag states manage their alerts, and the potential for developing regional or global networks to improve responses to ships activating these alerts.
   The requirement for all merchant ships to be equipped with ship security alert systems was a result of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. However, these same alerts are now being used when ships are subject to piracy and armed robbery incidents.
   “Initially seafarers were reluctant to use the alerts as there were concerns regarding how coastal states would respond,” Timlen said. “This project will be particularly interesting in respect to identifying the potential to link existing regional and national response mechanisms under an international arrangement. If that is possible, international maritime security will be significantly enhanced.”
   The graduate school’s maritime security program was started in 2004 following concerns over the security of ports and sea lanes in Southeast Asia. The program focuses on issues such as maritime terrorism, piracy and armed robbery along these sea lanes. The program has already produced the highly regarded “Safety and Security in the Malacca and Singapore Straits” report.
   Before joining the Nanyang Technological University program, Timlen served as head of BIMCO’s Security and International Affairs Department.
   The ship security alert systems report will be completed by January.