Participants in the Maritime Security Cooperation Course 4-8 June 2007

INAUGURAL MARITIME SECURITY COOPERATION COURSE
4-8 June 2007

The APCML held its inaugural ‘Maritime Security Cooperation Course’ at HMAS WATSON in the week of 4-8 June 2007. The course was the first of its kind for the APCML and will form part of its annual ‘core’ suite of courses offered. The course was formally opened by RADM Rowan Moffitt ( Deputy Chief Joint Operations, Headquarters Joint Operations Command ) and was conducted in partnership with the International Law Department of the U.S. Naval War College. The APCML was pleased to host Captain Pete Pedrozo USN and Commander Jim McMahon US Coast Guard from the U.S. side who both provided a number of engaging and insightful presentations on maritime law emphasizing U.S. perspectives on legal issues. The course also greatly benefited from the participation of Commander Rob Wood of the Royal Navy as a directing staff member who provided very valuable input from a UK legal perspective. Similarly, Professor Stuart Kaye from the APCML university node provided a very professional presentation on the role of customary law in the maritime environment.

The course attracted a number of regional officers including those from Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, New Zealand and Jordan. There were also approximately 20 operators and legal officers from the RAN/R and RAAF as well as three representatives from the Australian Customs Service. The course examined the law underpinning the full array of maritime operations, ranging from peacetime freedom of navigation assertions through to maritime law enforcement and United Nations sanctions enforcement and finally Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and naval warfare paradigms. Commanders Bowers, McLaughlin and Campbell RAN provided very topical and insightful presentations on current maritime legal issues dealing with a number of issues, including Harbour security, PSI and maritime law enforcement.

(LtoR) Lieutenant Colonel Paul Muggleton, Captain Dale Stephens, Rear Admiral Rowan Moffitt, Lieutenant Commander Rachel Jones and Commander Jim McMahon (US Coast Guard).