1.1 Introduction
The maritime security has transpired a point of reference in the same time period and there occurred a shift in security discourse regarding threat perception of states as well as non-state actors and changing nature of security conceptualization and challenges in oceanic spaces. Maritime security is critical for sustainable growth of global commerce conducted along ocean passages or maritime domain. About 90% of goods supporting the global economy are transported through the oceans. The ocean contains numerous resources that support livelihood of present and future generation (Randrianantenaina, 2013). A vessel accident is an unintended happening. Its severity may vary from no vessel damage to the complete loss of the vessel, no cargo damage, to loss of the entire cargo, and no crew injuries to deaths (Talley, Jin, & Kite-Powell, 2005).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Maritime Security is the grouping of preventive and responsive actions to guard the maritime sphere against threats and intended illegitimate acts (Feldt, Roeli, and Thiele, 2013). The maritime domain’s worth for states can be designated in terms of its natural assets, its importance for transport and trade, power forecast and defence, and the maritime atmosphere’s intrinsic value (Lundqvist, 2013). There are domestic challenges ranging from Corruption, Ill Equipped Navy and Geography. While at the international level (Regional and Global), the international actors have shown signs of weak responses despite their interests and together with lack of effective coordination with the host Gulf of Guinea states especially Nigeria towards a collective strategy.
In recent times, cases of marine vessel casualties involving personal injury, deaths and property/environmental damage have grown in tandem with increased vessel traffic associated with oil prospecting activities and other commercial seaborne transportation in Niger-Delta/coastal regions of Nigeria.
Maritime operations and their associated facilities and infrastructure collectively represent one of the single greatest unaddressed challenges to the security of nations and the global economy today. The reason that ports and shipping activity are so difficult to secure lies primarily in their technology. Ports are typically large, asymmetrical activities dispersed over hundreds of acres of land and water so that they can simultaneously accommodate ship, truck and rail traffic, petroleum product/liquid offload, storage or piping, and container storage.
Similarly, Talley et al. (2005) observe that UK Thomas P&I Club survey of 1,500 insurance claims for shipping accidents around the world between 1987 and 1990, had found that 90% of the accidents were caused by human error. Two-thirds of the accidents involving personal injury claims were due to human error, e.g. carelessness or recklessness under commercial pressures, a misplaced sense of overconfidence, or a lack of either knowledge or experience.
Maritime safety is governed by the combination of international rules and regulations, national regulations of the flag states and port states, port regulations, rules of the Classification Societies and Insurance Companies. In addition, quite a number of conventions have been ratified by contracting governments some of which include: International Conventions on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Standards for Training and Watch Keeping (STCW); International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Others are International Convention on Loadlines (LL) and Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea (COLREG) etc. This regulatory system, which is supported by the Safety Management Systems of the shipping companies serve as a framework for continuous assessment of safety regimes in the world maritime industry.
Technology brings continuous progression and shifts to international relations and its praxis, particularly cyber technologies which have added perspectives and options to interstate relations. It has also threatened maritime security environment through innovative yet disruptive technologies. The undertaken research aims at evaluating emerging cyber technologies potentially affecting global economic activities, navigational safety across Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
Therefore, in Nigeria Water Ways where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Role of Technology in Enhancing Maritime Security and Safety.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the Nigerian Maritime Administration stated that Nigerian government is working towards domesticating other conventions and Protocols relating to safety of Navigation (Dakuku, 2018). For security of navigation, the Nigerian Navy has the statutory responsibility to provide Coastguard services to secure the maritime domain. At international level, the Federal government of Nigeria has called for intergovernmental partnership in regional maritime security.
Consequently, a high level of safety performance is essential in hazardous work environments. As an unintentional event, accident involving marine vessel is common in inland and coastal navigation where requisite safety regulation may not be strictly observed. For marine organizations, an important concern is how to prevent vessel casualties involving personal injury, deaths, property and environmental damage by establishing and maintaining a culture of strict adherence to safety practices.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to analyze the Role of Technology in Enhancing Maritime Security and Safety. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To examine the relationship between technology and the improvement of maritime security and safety in the area under study;
- To assess the contribution of marine vessel security and safety experts onboard Vessels at Sea; and
- To determine the risk factors affecting implementation of technological services on maritime safety experts onboard Vessels at Sea.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the contribution of marine vessel security and safety experts onboard Vessels at Sea?
- What is the relationship between technology and the improvement of maritime security and safety in the area under study?
- What is the risk factors affecting implementation of technological services on maritime safety experts onboard Vessels at Sea?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: There are no significant risk factors affecting implementation of technological services on maritime safety experts onboard Vessels at Sea
- H1: There are significant risk factors affecting implementation of technological services on maritime safety experts onboard Vessels at Sea
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will improve both our understanding of the contribution of human and other causal factors of accident involving marine vessel and hence support implementation of prevention measures that effectively target these factors. This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Role of Technology in Enhancing Maritime Security and Safety using Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Port Security: It is an aspect of maritime security that is very essential in facilitating safe and secure maritime transport.
Maritime: This is connected with the sea, especially in relation to seaborne trade or naval matters.
Security: This refers to protection of a person, building, organization, or country against threats.
