The use of force in patrolling Australiaʹs fishing zones

The Royal Australian Navy has been conducting fishery patrols for many years. Part of the rationale for the RANʹs involvement in these operations is that the use of armed force may prove necessary if a vessel refuses to comply with directions given by the commanding officer of an RAN vessel. This paper examines the legality of using such force, and finds that the RAN is operating with inadequate municipal legal support and questionable international legal authority.