About CeMaS

The Center for Maritime Safety and Security Studies (CeMaS), was established at the Japan Coast Guard Academy on May 30, 2002, under the name of “Center for Research in International Marine Policy,” as an organization to promote interdisciplinary and comprehensive research on international ocean policy.  It was reorganized into CeMaS in April 2023.

The situation surrounding maritime safety worldwide is becoming increasingly complex and internationalized. Specific examples include heightened tensions over maritime interests such as securing marine resources; threats from international criminal organizations involved in terrorism, smuggling of firearms and drugs, and human smuggling; incidents of piracy and large-scale oil and hazardous substance spills; the intensification of natural disasters; and the global problem of illegal fishing. The Japan Coast Guard and other coast guard agencies around the world are working day and night to address these challenges.

To respond to these diverse issues appropriately and with timelines and meet public expectations effectively, it is essential to organically integrate knowledge from various academic fields, promote comprehensive research to improve policies, and develop core human resources within the coast guard agency that can effectively utilize academic insights in connection with policies.

This research in tandem with human resource development constitutes the mission of CeMaS.

Furthermore, in April 2023, CeMaS established a new research base in Tokyo to strengthen its research capabilities.  CeMas serves as a think tank for the Coast Guard, leading global discussions and playing a part in Japan’s overall international soft power strategy and empowering the Japan Coast Guard to help maintain order and safety in the world’s oceans.

CeMaS aims to lead global maritime security policy research as a unique maritime security think tank. It will effectively utilize its two bases in Kure and Tokyo to promote broad collaborative research with domestic and international universities and research institutions.  This builds upon international education (human resource development) and independent research that has been conducted by the Japan Coast Guard Academy.  Furthermore, it seeks to make recommendations for strategic operational execution, provision of high-quality administrative services, and the strengthening of international cooperation and collaboration with foreign agencies in maritime safety and security administration.