Treaty Transmittal: 2005 SUA Protocol and 2005 Fixed Platforms Protocol

Yesterday, the President transmitted to the Senate, for its advice and consent to ratification, the Protocol of 2005 to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (the 2005 SUA Protocol) and the Protocol of 2005 to the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (the 2005 Fixed Platforms Protocol). The transmittal package (Treaty Doc. 110-8) is here. A State Department fact sheet is here. The fact sheet states: "The SUA Protocol provides the first international treaty framework for combating and prosecuting individuals who use a ship as a weapon or means of committing a terrorist attack, or transport by ship terrorists or cargo intended for use in connection with weapons of mass destruction programs. The SUA Protocol also establishes a mechanism to facilitate the boarding in international waters of vessels suspected of engaging in these activities." The Protocols were adopted by an International Maritime Organization Diplomatic Conference on October 14, 2005. The United States signed the Protocols on February 17, 2006, shortly after they were opened for signature. To date, there are two parties to the 2005 SUA Protocol and no parties to the 2005 Fixed Platforms Protocol.