Re: Blockades: just what is the legal position?

On Jun 5, 5:46 am, Alan Lothian <alanloth...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
 Seems, from a brief web search, something of a sea-grey area between
war and peace. The blockade must be effective, of course, but...

When is it legal (and accepted as such by at least the UN) outside a
state of war?

Or is it the case, as I suspect, that the "grey area" aspect suits many
concerned?

Share your wisdom.

My (undoubtedly flawed) understanding:

Any nation may declare a blockade of another nation with which it
at war.

It's up to that nation to enforce the blockade. In order to
remain in force, the blockade must be enforced 100%...of course,
what's to stop the blockader from just declaring another blockade if
some ships get through.

There are different types of blockades...weapons for some,
everything for others, etc. The blockaders have the right to stop and
inspect anyone attempting to enter the blockade zone. There is
protocol for this...the blockaders must announce who they are, why
they are stopping the ship, etc, etc. If found to be in compliance,
the ship may continue after inspection...or be made to head for a
designated port.

Ships can resist the blockaders, but then become targets. Sinking
is frowned upon, but resistance to boarding, etc allows the use of
force. How much force is open to question.

Blockades can extend into international waters. The reasoning is
inshore areas may be too dangerous for chases because of shallows,
obstructions, or coastal defenses.


The UN Security Council has the power to declare a blockade
illegal. Vetos by the permanent members make this a bit harder to
declare. even if declared illegal, the blockade will remain in force
until the blockader decides to stop...or someone comes along and makes
them stop.
.

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