An approach to improve international maritime security through the coordination between the IMO instruments and the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) regime / by Song Yi
Abstract
This dissertation is a study on the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) which is a global effort through which nations deliberately interdict carriage of illicit WMD-related substances commuting States and non-States actors. Given its flexibility as an “activity” rather than an organization, the initiative has gained supports from more than 102 countries since its interception in 2003. Now, in its 10th year, and despite boasting over 100 participants, the PSI continues to face legal, political and structural challenges. By looking into the realities of PSI activities, the paper attempts to explore some of the key challenges, with its practical means of operations. Furthermore, the paper reviews how security-related instruments of the IMO have been involved in maritime transportation of WMD and related materials and provides recommendations that the IMO play an effective role in strengthening the PSI. The author concludes with sound recommendations for the IMO on ways to find an optimal point between maintaining the security of the ship and stopping the trafficking of WMD and related materials.