The time is right

Gerry Northwood, of MAST, believes the time is right to enforce global maritime security standards

It should not be seen as alarmist to say the world is a dangerous place at the moment. The potential for strategic miscalculation by the world’s powers is perhaps greater than at any time since the end of the Cold War. The maritime environment is inextricably linked to global events and neither is it immune to crime and terrorism, in their many forms. Conflicts and tensions in the Middle East, North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and the Far East, for instance, have spawned plenty of crime and terror and they have impacted on shipping in those areas. That said, while there is not necessarily an immediate existential threat to individual vessels, owners and crews would be wise to have it at the forefront of their mind and be in a position to adapt or react if necessary.