Champions

International waters are vast and often lawless. Criminal activity thrives on the sea, threatening everything from vital shipping lanes to delicate ecosystems. Patrolling these waters falls to a complex mix of military and private security forces. But when it comes to enforcing the law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), private security patrol boats have a surprising advantage.

UNCLOS, ratified by over 160 countries, sets the legal framework for the oceans. Here’s the key detail: UNCLOS can only be enforced through lawsuits filed by nation-states or, crucially, by civilian vessels directly affected by a violation. This throws military vessels, which fall outside the definition of civilian craft, into a legal gray area.

Imagine a scenario where a rogue nation harasses a commercial fishing vessel in international waters. The fishing vessel, if protected by a private security patrol boat, can bring a lawsuit against the offending nation under UNCLOS for violating its freedom of navigation. Nevertheless, if the same fishing vessel were guarded by a military ship, it would lack the legal standing to sue.

This is where private security patrol boats become champions. They act as civilian enforcers of UNCLOS, offering crucial legal leverage to protect commercial interests and combat illegal activity at sea.

Of course, private security isn’t without its limitations. Training, equipment, and experience can vary widely. But when partnered with reputable firms and properly regulated by coastal authorities, private security patrol boats can be a powerful tool for safeguarding our oceans and upholding the law.