- Defense Institute of International Legal Studies
- LEGAL ASPECTS OF MARITIME SECURITY OPERATIONS (...
LEGAL ASPECTS OF MARITIME SECURITY OPERATIONS (LAMSO) 19020
DIILS Resident Course – The second Legal Aspects of Maritime Security Operations (LAMSO) course was offered 9-26 September 2019.
On 26 September 2019, 15 participants from nine countries graduated as the second class of international military members and government officials to complete the DIILS “Legal Aspects of Maritime Security Operations” (LAMSO) resident course. The course was offered in Newport, Rhode Island, included visits to U.S. Coast Guard operational commands in New Haven, CT and New York City, NY, the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, RI, the Department of Transportation's Volpe Center in Boston, MA, and the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. LAMSO provided a comprehensive overview of the legal aspects of maritime governance, to include the conduct of maritime law enforcement and maritime security operations, and enhancing maritime domain awareness and response capabilities through partnerships. The course promoted a rules-based approached to governance, and aimed to enhance the participants’ familiarity with the international legal framework applicable to maritime operations.
The participants analyzed U.S. maritime law enforcement rules and procedures, exchanged best practices for addressing common threats and legal challenges, and considered potential applicability as a model for capacity development in their respective countries. LAMSO participants learned about the international law of the sea and other international legal frameworks related to human rights, law of armed conflict, maritime piracy, resource protection, trafficking of narcotics and persons, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and other issues. They considered best practice recommendations for inter-agency cooperation, use of force, anti-terrorism, and maritime threat monitoring. LAMSO featured presentations from active duty judge advocates from the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy and Marines, and experts from the Naval War College, the Naval Justice School, DHS, NOAA, CBP, ICE, FBI, the Center for Law and Military Operations (CLAMO), and the NYPD. Additionally, the course featured a leading expert on maritime crimes, two expert panel discussions, interactive scenario based discussion exercises, and a mock international tribunal exercise.
DIILS conducted a number of field studies designed to introduce LAMSO participants to American culture and provide some historical context for the democratic ideals reflected in the U.S. Constitution and laws. LAMSO participants toured historic Newport, Rhode Island where they learned about New England colonial history and the development of human rights in colonial America. During the New York City trip, the participants took a guided tour of Manhattan, visited the 9/11 memorial site, and experienced the cultural diversity of a large American metropolis. During the visit to Boston, they visited Harvard University and historic Quincy Market.
LAMSO participants commented on what they considered was the highlight of the academic instruction:
“I really appreciate the presence of so many experienced presenters who gave us many valuable comments and advice based on real life experiences.”
“I have been more aware about the areas where that I should concentrate on while preforming my duties”.
“I have been noticed that there are many laws that should be amend by my country in order to comply with the international laws”.
“Knowledge sharing among the instructors and participants allow us to keep thinking and questions ourselves. Are we doing the right things? Are those legal thing?”
“The presenters were clearly experts in their field for a course that touched on interesting and diverse aspects of maritime security”.
“Being aware of the extent of international laws on UNCLOS will enable in making more informed decisions at work place”.
“The available forum to resolve disputes among my neighboring countries and the best approach in deciding joint nav/mil ops”.