Selected issues of law and ergonomics in maritime security

The paper examines in selected detail, issues of maritime security in international law that are currently at the forefront of concerns in the maritime world. It provides an overview of the nature of maritime security contra maritime safety and gives an introduction of the most common threats. It looks at the current scenario in light of what is evolving in response to certain dramatic events of the recent past as well as some issues such as piracy which has a relatively long history in international maritime law. The ergonomic aspects of maritime security instruments and some problem areas and deficiencies in the current regime, with reference to UNCLOS, SUA, and the new ISPS Code, are identified and discussed.