An efficient control over vessels is a key element in the fight against new threats which

emerge in the field of the law of the sea (pollution by substandard ships, overexploitation

of fish stocks, trafficking of persons, drugs or weapons of mass destruction). In this

respect, the question may be asked as to whether the traditional rules of the law of the

sea, based inter alia on the exclusive jurisdiction of the flag State and the freedoms of

the high seas, are still able to efficiently deal with these issues. This volume gives an

overview of the developments which have taken place (Port State Control, Proliferation

Security Initiative, Protocol to the SUA Convention ...) in Europe and Northern America

with a view to addressing the new challenges arising in the field of pollution, fisheries,

crimes at sea and terrorism.