Solent University (Warsash Maritime School)<\/p>\n
Course: BSc (Hons) Nautical Science<\/p>\n
Semester: 1, Academic Year: 2025\/2026<\/p>\n
Submission Date: 20 January 2026<\/p>\n
Weighting: 40% of Module Mark<\/p>\n
The Gulf of Guinea remains a hotspot for maritime piracy and armed robbery against ships, impacting global trade routes and regional economies. This assessment requires students to investigate the current security challenges in this area, considering factors like economic disparities, weak governance, and international responses. By analyzing these issues, you will gain insights into effective strategies for enhancing maritime safety and the role of legal frameworks in combating threats.<\/p>\n
Produce a 2500-word research essay that evaluates the effectiveness of international and regional initiatives in addressing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. Your essay should cover key incidents, stakeholder roles, legal instruments such as the Yaound\u00e9 Code of Conduct, and recommendations for improved security measures. Use case studies to illustrate points and discuss implications for nautical operations.<\/p>\n
Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has escalated over the past decade, with attacks often targeting oil tankers and crew for ransom. Regional navies struggle due to limited resources, leading to inconsistent patrols and response times. International collaborations, such as those under the Yaound\u00e9 Architecture, aim to coordinate efforts among coastal states for better information sharing and joint operations. However, challenges persist in enforcement, as corruption and porous borders undermine these initiatives. Effective countermeasures include capacity building for local forces and enhanced legal prosecutions to deter perpetrators. One study highlights how integrated maritime domain awareness systems can reduce incident rates by improving real-time monitoring (Ukeje and Ela, 2019, https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09700161.2019.1665978<\/a>).<\/p>\n Kamal-Deen, A., 2019. The anatomy of Gulf of Guinea piracy. Naval War College Review, 72(1), pp.93-118. Available at: https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/26607106<\/a><\/p>\n Onuoha, F.C., 2020. Piracy and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea: Trends, concerns, and propositions. Journal of the Middle East and Africa, 11(4), pp.365-383. Available at: https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/21520844.2020.1848904<\/a><\/p>\n Jacobsen, K.L. and Nordby, J.R., 2021. Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. Nordic Africa Institute. Available at: https:\/\/www.diva-portal.org\/smash\/get\/diva2:1524242\/FULLTEXT01.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n Bueger, C. and Edmunds, T., 2022. Blue crime: Conceptualising transnational organised crime at sea. Marine Policy, 135, p.104852. Available at: https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.marpol.2021.104852<\/a><\/p>\n