Piracy at sea has existed almost since voyaging began & has been effectively subdued from time to time,principally by the Roman Imperial Navy in the 1stC & the British Navy in the 19thC.Over the past twenty five years piracy has once again been increasing such that it has now become of serious concern to the maritime community,in particular the seafarer,who as always bears the brunt of these attacks. In parallel with piracy itself the laws of piracy have developed from the Rhodian Laws through Roman Law,post Treaty of Westphalia Law both British and American until today the Law of Piracy is embodied in the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea of 1982. Piracy at sea can consist of one or more of the following crimes upon the person:murder,violence actual or implied,rape,torture & disappearance & are considered a violation of the seafarers human rights.On the high seas the flag state has jurisdiction over the ship flying its flag & all on board whatever their nationality.It is argued that the flag State is failing by omission to uphold the human rights of the seafarer over whom it has jurisdiction. This book should be of interest to academics & maritime professionals.

Peter Widd,BSc,MA,PhD qualified as a Master Mariner in 1973.After serving in East Africa as Pilot,Harbour Master & Port Manager he then joined Trinity House as a London Pilot, subsequently working for the Port of London Authority.He is now a Commissioner with the Infrastructure Planning Commission & Nautical Assessor to the Court of Appeal.