Private maritime security contractors and use of lethal force in maritime domain

Abstract

The following Chapter analyzes the issue of the use of lethal force in the maritime domain. Due to a lack of relevant case law, this examination draws partial conclusions by comparing the maritime-related provision of security services with the private military and security services conducted on land. A number of maritime-related regulations and ordinances, recommendations, guidelines, standards, and standard contract forms are examined in order to assess the extent to which the issue of the use of force is considered and regulated. In addition, general provisions of civil and criminal law are analyzed in order to assess their applicability to the above-noted legal documents. Finally, several key issues in connection to the use of lethal force in the maritime domain are highlighted as exigent for further consideration.