Mikko Simola: Role of Coast Guards in safeguarding sea lines of communication

Sea lines of communication (SLOCs) are the lifelines of global trade, connecting nations and economies through the maritime transport of goods and resources. Ensuring the safety and security of these vital waterways is paramount for the prosperity and stability of the whole international community and especially for countries like Finland being dependent on fluent functioning of maritime connections. Coast Guard authorities are uniquely positioned to address a wide range of threats and challenges that fall outside the traditional purview of navies as part of military forces. This article summarizes the multifunctional role of Coast Guards in protecting SLOCs by highlighting their unique capabilities and contributions to maritime security and safety.

The evolving maritime security landscape
Maritime domain faces a complex and ever-evolving array of threats, ranging from security threats to safety challenges. These threats and challenges not only disrupt the flow of legitimate trade but also pose significant risks to human life, national security and the marine ecosystem. In this context, Coast Guard authorities have emerged as indispensable authorities in safeguarding common interests. Their diverse missions, extensive maritime domain awareness and a clear role as law enforcement authority enable them to effectively address a wide spectrum of maritime security threats and safety challenges.

Advantages of Coast Guard authorities
Coast Guards possess several advantages that make them uniquely suited for safeguarding SLOCs. Through constant surveillance and intelligence gathering, Coast Guards maintain a comprehensive understanding of activities within their areas of responsibility, enabling proactive responses to potential threats. This maritime domain awareness needs to be considered as a tool or instrument to reach objectives (e.g. to prevent crime and to prevent loss of lives at sea), but not as a goal in itself. Coast Guard authorities are capable of seamless transition between law enforcement and defense roles, providing a flexible and adaptable response to evolving threats. Coast Guard authorities are often able to act in circumstances that do not allow for military authorities’ intervention.

Practical example of a highly capable Coast Guard unit is Gulf of Finland Coast Guards District’s (part of the Finnish Border Guard) special intervention unit. Its mission profile covers high risk law enforcement tasks, counter terrorism, hostage rescue operations and counter hybrid threats. Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District’s special intervention unit is specialized for maritime operations, especially for boarding operations on sea. Among others, the unit has diving, sniper and special boat team capabilities for demanding operations.

It is always worth highlighting that Coast Guards possess a legal authority to enforce maritime laws and regulations, including those related to customs, immigration and marine environmental protection. Coast Guards are well trained and equipped for search and rescue operations, for safeguarding safety of life at sea. Coast Guards play a critical role in protecting the marine environment by combating pollution, enforcing environmental regulations and responding to a large variety of maritime incidents. Coast Guards are able to cooperate with international partners to enhance maritime security capabilities through joint trainings, exercises and information sharing for further improved maritime domain awareness.

Key contributions of Coast Guards in safeguarding SLOCs and safety of maritime domain
Coast Guards play an important role in safeguarding SLOCs through a range of activities. Coast Guards are the first responders to a wide range of maritime incidents, including assistance to vessels in distress, search and rescue operations and pollution response. For maintaining maritime order Coast Guards enforce maritime laws and regulations and thereby contribute to the safety and security of navigation. While doing that, Coast Guards are also promoting compliance with international maritime standards. Coast Guards safeguard vital maritime infrastructure, such as underwater cables, gas pipes and offshore installations, from threats such as sabotage and terrorism. Coast Guards have an important role also in international waters including Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). As a practical example, The Finnish Border Guard, which is the leading Coast Guard authority in Finland, is the only competent authority on the Finnish EEZ.

As part of their daily business, Coast Guards are conducting patrols and thereby providing escorts to vessels and maritime traffic. Coast Guards prevent and disrupt criminal networks operating at sea and bring perpetrators to justice. In the maritime domain Coast Guards can also intercept illicit drug shipments, disrupt smuggling networks and thereby contribute to combat drug trafficking.

Topical issues in the current operational environment
In the current security situation, it must always be kept in mind that someone or some country might try to use internationally agreed procedures for own purposes in a wrong way. For example, when receiving a maritime safety related request for a place of refuge for a ship, Coast Guard authorities need to use all the available expertise on what kind of cargo and personnel there is on board of the vessel requesting for a safe harbor. Risk analysis must be updated and thought carefully. If need be, Coast Guard authorities can rapidly perform a shift of activities from safety tasks via law enforcement duties to use of military force.

Conclusion
Coast Guard authorities have an indispensable role in contributing to safeguarding sea lines of communication. Coast Guard authorities´ multifunctional and unique capabilities, extensive maritime domain awareness and law enforcements authority´s executive powers combined with a role in military defense enable Coast Guards to effectively address a wide range of threats and challenges. By investing and empowering Coast Guards, the international community can significantly enhance maritime security, maritime safety and promote sustainable economic development.