There have been many ideas proposed to assist the coastal countries' security through joint patrols by both coastal countries and countries who utilize coastal nations' seaports. In Japan, too, research has been promoted. A group led by Kazumine Akimoto, a Senior Researcher of the JDA's National Institute for Defense Studies, is conducting research about measures using the naval forces for stabilizing situations on the high seas called, “Ocean Peace Keeping (OPK).” Naval involvement in patrols is indispensable to cover large areas of the sea. This would likely work smoothly, since there is a common bond among the navies which share the seas. Therefore ideas, such as allowing law enforcement authorities' representatives of the coastal states board ships of the sea-lane user states, and let them virtually patrol and guard together, are under discussion.
Patrols can be expected to be an effective way to restrain piracies, especially of the robbery/plunderage-type.
As for the seajacking-type piracies, the necessity of closer international cooperation was already mentioned. Additionally, development of new tactics is needed to suppress such new types of piracies. To make measures against the seajacking-type pirates efficient, it is crucial to establish a system for the arrest and punishment of all of the pirates, and legislation to punish them. We can never forget that arrest and punishment are the keys to eradicating pirates.
Pirates have to get to port some time. Searching out and arresting them at shore facilities, where they disguise the ship and transact the cargo, are the most effective ways to arrest pirates and to collect the evidence.
It is strongly believed that loading a location signal transmitter utilizing satellite systems on ships, without informing even the crew, is a very effective measure when a ship is seized.
The Regional Conference on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships, which was Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi's proposal and was agreed by the ASEAN summit at the end of November 1999, bears many high expectations.
The preparation for an international conference in Tokyo this coming April is being carried on by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will provide Japan with a big chance to grab an initiative as the largest sea-lane using country.
Early adoption of the “OPK” plan as a virtual measure against piracy is now expected to confront the imminent problem of piracy.
(翻訳：大河内博美)
翻訳にあたってはVanderbilt大学James E. Auer教授にご助言をいただいたことを記し感謝の意を表します。
川村純彦
