Maritime Security in The Baltic Sea (5 cr)

Objective

Understand the geopolitical, historical, and current dimensions of maritime security in the Baltic Sea region, as well as key actors.

Be able to apply key principles of international maritime law and recognize the significance of the maritime regulatory framework (IMO) for global and regional security.

Analyze the strategies of the European Union and other international actors in promoting maritime security in the Baltic Sea.

Identify and assess diverse maritime security threats, including traditional and hybrid threats, and understand the importance of protecting critical maritime infrastructure.

Be able to evaluate the effectiveness of maritime security measures and identify areas for development.

Content

Geopolitical and Security Environment of the Baltic Sea: History, current situation, key challenges, and actors (including Finland's and Sweden's NATO membership).

International Maritime Law and Regulatory Frameworks: Fundamentals of UNCLOS, the role of the IMO and key conventions and flag state responsibilities.

Regional Security Strategies and Actors: The EU Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS), NATO's role in the Baltic Sea, and the activities of other relevant organizations.

Maritime Security Threats and Countermeasures: Traditional threats (piracy, terrorism), hybrid threats, cyber threats, threats to Critical Maritime Infrastructure (CMI) and its protection, and port and ship security (ISPS).

Analysis and Development of Maritime Security: Assessing the effectiveness of measures and future outlooks.

Course material

The primary study material consists of materials compiled by the teacher, distributed via the online learning environment. This includes lecture recordings and slides, articles, and other electronic materials. All material is in English.
A key recommended (but not mandatory) book: Kraska, James, and Raul Pedrozo. International Maritime Security Law, BRILL, 2013.

Study forms and methods

The course is designed as flexible online studies that the student can complete at their own pace within the given timeframe (1 June 2025 – 30 September 2025). Learning is based on independent work, including watching recorded video lectures, studying teacher-compiled learning materials, and completing assignments. There are no group works. While there are no time-bound virtual lectures or discussions, students are expected to actively participate in discussion forums in the online learning environment, if provided. All lecture materials are available as recordings throughout the course.

RDI and work-related cooperation

The course content is based on current research knowledge and working life needs in the field of maritime security. The course explores the current state of research and development in the field.

Timing of exams and assignments

The course is assessed based on learning assignments and quizzes.

The quizzes, assignments and their final submission dates will be announced in more detail in the online learning environment at the beginning of the course. All assignments must be submitted by the course end date (30 September 2025).

No separate exam. The possibility to redo or supplement failed learning assignments will be agreed with the teacher on a case-by-case basis.

International cooperation

The course content is highly international, covering global maritime transport, international law, and the roles of various actors in international maritime security. Study materials include international research and reports. No separate international student exchange or joint projects are associated with this course.

Student workload

The course is 5 ECTS.
The student's workload is 135 hours. However, the amount of work depends on your study skills and previous knowledge.

Course part description

The course consists of the following thematic modules, with estimated extents:
1. Geopolitical and Security Environment of the Baltic Sea (approx. 1 ECTS)
2. International Maritime Law and Regulatory Frameworks (approx. 1 ECTS)
3. Regional Security Strategies and Actors (approx. 1 ECTS)
4. Maritime Security Threats and Countermeasures (approx. 1.5 ECTS)
5. Analysis and Development of Maritime Security (approx. 0.5 ECTS)

Further information

The course is available:
for Open University of Applied Sciences students 70 places
for Degree Students 35 places

Evaluation scale

Approved/Failed

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment is based on quizzes completed during the course and active participation in the online discussion related to each quiz. The quizzes measure the student's comprehension of lecture materials and other distributed content. Each quiz must be passed with at least 75% correct answers. Quizzes may be attempted multiple times to achieve this target.

Online discussions assess the student's ability to apply learned knowledge, engage in informed dialogue, and produce well-reasoned viewpoints. A passing grade requires successful completion of all quizzes meeting the aforementioned minimum requirement, and active, quality participation in all required online discussions. More detailed weighting and assessment criteria will be announced in the online learning environment.

The student is able to:
a. find, study, produce and assess critically multidisciplinary data in their field of expertise (demonstrated in discussions and by applying knowledge absorbed through quizzes).
e. assess different strategic approaches and justify their use (demonstrated in online discussions by analyzing maritime security strategies and actions).
f. work independently in the expert duties of their professional field (the independent nature of course completion and knowledge acquisition supports this).
g. communicate proficiently and systematically in their written form in one foreign language (English) (demonstrated by active and quality participation in English-language online discussions).