SysAdmin USCG spreading code

POST: US Sees 'Test Run' With Captured Pirates (The Entire Story), By Christian Lowe, Defense Tech, February 18, 2009

Brad Barbaza writes:

Under a directive from the Obama administration, the US Coast Guard is using its recent capture of pirates near Africa to set up a legal framework for other nations to model in their prosecution of pirates. Reading this, I was struct at how it seemed to be something out of Great Powers. The world seems to be waiting for someone to take the lead on this. Until now, the only model was, 'Pay the ransom.'

We are not only providing security. We are also inserting some much needed code into the system.

Comments

[Pete Johnson]

The ground work has been in place for a while, it has been the will that has been lacking. The UN Law Of the Sea in articles 100 through 107 cover Piracy, in particular it states:

Article100

Duty to cooperate in the repression of piracy

All States shall cooperate to the fullest possible extent in the repression of piracy on the high seas or in any other place outside the jurisdiction of any State.

and

Article105

Seizure of a pirate ship or aircraft

On the high seas, or in any other place outside the jurisdiction of any State, every State may seize a pirate ship or aircraft, or a ship or aircraft taken by piracy and under the control of pirates, and arrest the persons and seize the property on board. The courts of the State which carried out the seizure may decide upon the penalties to be imposed, and may also determine the action to be taken with regard to the ships, aircraft or property, subject to the rights of third parties acting in good faith.

and

Article107

Ships and aircraft which are entitled to seize on account of piracy

A seizure on account of piracy may be carried out only by warships or military aircraft, or other ships or aircraft clearly marked and identifiable as being on government service and authorized to that effect.