Maritime security challenges ahead in the Black Sea

A number of new maritime security challenges in an upward wave of illegal maritime activities (buccaneering, piracy, armed sea robbery, environmental degradation, illegal fishing/over hunting and drug, human and arms trafficking). The increase of such illegal activities is obvious in both national and international maritime waters and threatens the interests of not only regional states but also non-regional states. New efforts to control this illegal activity are required by individual littoral states, regional organizations and the international community. Maritime activities of the black sea environment which is the most remarkable regional seas in the world, is faced these new threats.International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code entered into force on 1st July 2004, which requires close co-operation among the coastal States in the Black Sea in general, Maritime Authorities in particular. The ISPS Code is a set of new maritime regulations designed to help detect and discourage threats to international security. There is the need to harmonize procedures related to maritime security in the region which requires working together and joining efforts to comply appropriately with the goals laid out in the amendments included in the SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) Convention which adopted at a Diplomatic Conference after the September 11 tragic event to this end cooperation with IMO is essential. The ISPS Code applies to all SOLAS, vessels over 500gt engaged in international voyages and all port facilities serving such ships. The role of port State control and particularly the Port State Control Officers concerning the verification of security measures is very important.