ABSTRACT
In the aftermath of 9/11, the focus of the international maritime community was on devising effective measures to address that threat and enhance maritime security. As a result, the IMO undertook a review of measures and procedures to prevent acts of terrorism that threaten the security of passengers and crews and the safety of ships.1 At its 22nd Assembly meeting in November 2001, the IMO resolved that it was necessary to develop new measures relating to maritime security of ships and of port facilities for adoption by a Diplomatic Conference on Maritime Security the following year.2 On 15 January 2002, the US submitted a proposal to the seventyfifth session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) on measures to improve maritime security, which provided the basis for the new maritime security regulatory framework.3
