Maritime Security Programme

Research on maritime security at RSIS started in 2004 following increased concerns over the security of ports and sea lanes. The programme addresses issues of good order at sea, piracy and SLOC security, and has built up a significant international reputation in these fields.

The programme’s research agenda span the spectrum of maritime security issues and developments in the Asia Pacific region. Its current research includes maritime force modernisation, shifts in the regional maritime balance of power, and maritime territorial and boundary disputes.

The programme also focus on particular threats and challenges in the maritime domain, such as maritime terrorism, piracy and other transboundary maritime crimes, safety at sea and disaster relief. Bridging these traditional and non-traditional security concerns are topics on maritime security cooperation and regime building.

International Maritime Security Conference

The International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) is Asia Pacific’s premier platform for discussion on Maritime Security, with the aim of laying foundations for a safe and secure maritime commons. As in previous years, the conference is expected to attract high-level representation by Navy Chiefs, policymakers, strategic thinkers and maritime stakeholders. It is also a key platform for bilateral and multilateral discussions, as well as dialogue sessions with regional think tanks. The 8th edition of IMSC was held on 4 May 2023. Click here for more information.

Recent Projects

The RSIS Maritime Security Programme organized a workshop on the evolving roles of various stakeholders in regional maritime security. It found that the traditional model dividing stakeholders between ‘users’ and ‘providers’ is increasingly outdated.  Download the workshop report: 2022 – Maritime Security Stakeholders Workshop Report

The RSIS Maritime Security Programme collaborated with representatives from the Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA), Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), INTERTANKO, Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) Information Sharing Centre to develop the “Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.”  The aim of the Regional Guide 2 is to provide members of the shipping community with updated information regarding the piracy and armed robbery incidents that has occurred against ships in Asia and to assist with the adoption of appropriate measures to avoid, deter or delay attacks, and prevent unauthorised boardings. The Guide can be downloaded here.

Programme Staff

Ms Jane Chan Git Yin
Coordinator and Senior Fellow
Maritime Security Programme, IDSS
DID: +65 6513 2733
Email: [email protected]

Prof Robert C. Beckman
Adjunct Senior Fellow
Maritime Security Programme, IDSS

Mr John Frederick Bradford
Senior Adjunct Fellow
Maritime Security Programme, IDSS
Email: [email protected]

Prof Geoffrey Till
Advisor
Maritime Security Programme, IDSS
Email: [email protected]