Number

Item

Likert Scale

1

Potential for increased piracy [19] [20]

1

2

3

2

Potential for ineffective protections in those nations without adequate investment in maritime security [21] [22]

1

2

3

3

Potential for political instability, which may lead to increases in piracy through insurgent groups [23] [24]

1

2

3

4

Potential for conflicts due to different developmental statuses (such as developed versus emerging nations) in relation to maritime security initiative implementation [25] [26]

1

2

3

5

Potential for differences in investments, increasing maritime security risks [2] [8]

1

2

3

6

Potential for improved technology, aiding those engaged in piracy activities [9] [10]

1

2

3

7

Potential for increased difficulties in the capture of those engaged in piracy due to improved technology [11] [12]

1

2

3

8

Potential for elimination of funding (such as through budget cuts) dedicated to maritime security [13] [14]

1

2

3

9

Potential for decreased maritime security research, leading to ineffective maritime security initiatives [15] [16]

1

2

3

10

Potential for decreased maritime security protections (such as escorts for merchant ships) due to other conflicts (such as war) [17] [18]

1

2

3