Global Maritime Security: the role of Spain as a Port State

Resumen

Since the year 2001 in the Maritime World, two kinds of concept have emerged out of the common root: safety and security. In this paper we will first analyse the international situation and the preventive agreements reached since 9/11 under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and then consider the role of a State such as Spain, seeking conclusions that can be generalised to other western countries of the European grouping. Finally, and based on certain experiences in respect of Port State Control, we will discuss the real effectiveness of the measures that appear today to be accepted.