Ssp Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

The analysis at hand is examining the issue of oil theft at sea (and certain other transnational types of organized crime, with illicit traffic of narcotics and psycho-tropic substances standing out), within the framework of maritime... more

The analysis at hand is examining the issue of oil theft at sea (and certain other transnational types of organized crime, with illicit traffic of narcotics and psycho-tropic substances standing out), within the framework of maritime security and, particularly, the effective implementation of the International Ship and Port Facili-ty Security Code (ISPS Code), an international regulation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The focus is on Mexico; however, it can be applicable to other countries facing similar security threats and insecurity levels. Possible solutions associated with the effective implementation of the ISPS Code and appropriate maritime security measures are pin-pointed. In most cases, the crude oil is stolen directly from the charge buoys located offshore or from maritime terminals, with cooperation from corrupted employees from the maritime traffic centres and other authorities. With the use of fake invoices, it is used for illegal bunkering or transported by large ocean-going tankers to selected refineries outside the country; this requires signif-icant efforts and coordination that can only be facilitated by well-organized crimi-nal rings.
An important conclusion is that oil theft and illegal bunkering activities, as well as piratic attacks against offshore platforms are clearly on the rise in the case of Mexico. It is furthermore highlighted that the new trend of transport of drugs in packages adhered to the bulbous bow of vessels require international acknowl-edgment and appropriate handling measures to effectively tackle the specific un-lawful practice, globally. The full application of the referred mandatory Code and rigid compliance with the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) and Ship Security Plan (SSP) as a working document during the 365 days of the year, both at ports and vessels could potentially reduce this increasing tendency. Recommendations concerning the use of remote controlled underwater vehicles (drones) by port au-thorities for hull-vessel inspections are also included.

I compare the property rights regimes of the United States under Capitalism and the Soviet Union under Communism. I specifically am looking at how both regimes defined and carried out property rights over productive capital. Productive... more

I compare the property rights regimes of the United States under Capitalism and the Soviet Union under Communism. I specifically am looking at how both regimes defined and carried out property rights over productive capital. Productive capital is considered distinct from consumer goods and personal items that are produced by productive capital. Under United States Capitalism, productive capital is owned by whomever is able to purchase the capital item(s). Workers are paid wages or salaries, but do not have management authority in the firm nor rights to influence what happens to profits produced from their efforts. Under Soviet Communism, productive capital was all owned by the government and operated by its officials. Workers were paid wages and salaries, but also had no say in the firms' management or the dividends realized from their labor. I give a brief overview of both countries' experiences in the 20th century, and then consider why Soviet Communism fell while American Capitalism prevailed. I conclude that despite having positions that are rhetorically opposed to one another, the US and the USSR have surprisingly similar forms of economic institutions that have similar weaknesses and shortcomings. It seems that the adage "absolute power corrupts absolutely" applies to shareholders and business executives as much as it applies to public officials and their operatives.