Chinese Coast Guard Involved in Most S.China Sea Clashes
Increasingly assertive action by China's coast guard ships in the South China Sea risks destabilising the region, according to the authors of new research tracking maritime law enforcement incidents across the vital trade route. While the risks of full-blown naval conflict dominates strategic fears over the disputed waterway, the danger of incidents involving coast guards should not be underestimated, said Bonnie Glaser, a regional security expert at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank.
US Coast Guard's 'Stop & Search' Power Incontestable
The USCG is America's only armed service with responsibility & authority for direct law enforcement action, on land police officers must meet 'reasonable suspicion' requirement. The Coast Guard is firmly committed to continuing the 'drug war' in the maritime area and, accordingly, drug interdiction is the most significant Coast Guard mission in terms of effort dedicated and money spent. A broad grant of enforcement authority from Congress coupled with an equally broad deference by the judiciary to the use of that power has facilitated this commitment. Congress provided its principal support of Coast Guard law enforcement almost half a century ago, with a statute that has not required amendment to meet modern exigencies.
IMO Assembly Issues Renewed Call for Action on Piracy off Somalia
ships in waters off the coast of Somalia. Secretary-General Efthimios E. earlier resolution (A.979(24)) adopted in 2005 at the 24th IMO Assembly. Government (TFG) of Somalia. launched. Somalia do not become victims of acts of piracy or armed robbery. pirates and armed robbers. or leaving Somali ports after having discharged their cargo. unconditionally released and that no harm is caused to them. in tackling the problem. and suppress piracy and armed robbery against ships. called upon to assist these efforts. they are under attack, or threat of attack. such information to the attention of IMO. area. area. report any pertinent information to IMO. robbers. Somalia. States to enhance their capacity to give effect to the new IMO resolution.
Navy Patrol Craft Reassigned to USCG for Homeland Security
The U.S. Coast Guard said that all 13 Cyclone-Class Navy Patrol Coastal (PC) ships have been reassigned to the Coast Guard in support of the Homeland Security mission. Six of these vessels were first assigned to support the Coast Guard in October 2001. Now the remaining seven have joined them in defending the U.S. coastline from security threats. The patrol craft are operated by Navy crews, but carry a team of USCG personnel who carry out any necessary law enforcement action. (Source: HK Law)
