If you have any experiences with pirates...post them to SAILORS FORUM !!!
...one word about fire arms...
There is an eternal discussion going on concerning fire arms on
board.
Our recommendation is not to have and not to use any arms
against pirates.
Pirates are often equiped with modern fire arms or even
automatic weapons. And they know how to use them.
If you are pulling a gun in front of a pirate you must be
skilled and prepared to kill.
If you are not, (as most of us) you made a bad
mistake...
Basic Rules to save your life
dealing with Pirates
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Before you cast off,...ask "locals" about recent pirate
attacks in the respective area.
-
Never take any precious things (jewels, watches,...)on board.
-
Do not show big amounts of money in bars or restaurants.
Do not speak about your journey plans on the radio or publically!
-
If you make reservations for restaurants or bars over the radio DO
NOT USE YOUR SHIPS NAME!
-
While sailing always try to keep contact to other boats (radio, sight).
-
Never stay in lonesome places overnight.
-
In dangerous areas, use systems which put high voltage on your reling.
-
Keep the cabin light and/or music on while being on the shore.
-
Lock up your yacht EVERYTIME you leave it.
Lock up your dinghy and motor EVERY time and EVERYWHERE
you leave it
Leave a small amount of money in the navigation table. You avoid
vandalism by frustrated thiefs.
-
Do not have any fire arms on board. Importing fire arms is a crime in
every country.
Face to Face with Pirates
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Nobody has the right to enter your ship except local authorities.
-
If anybody approaches your yacht on the open water try to escape by
changeing the heading rapidly. Avoid physical contact.
-
Be firm and decisive in your communication. Give a loud and clear order
to stay away from your yacht.
-
Fire appropriate signal light.
-
Broadcast emergency calls (pan pan). Give youre precise position and
situation.
If they are on board...
-
If pirates are on board DO NOT TRY TO FIGHT THEM!
-
Keep cool and follow every order.
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Do not show any weapons!! or any kind of resistence.
-
Importing weapons (especially fire arms) is a crime in every country!
-
The body of the yacht is absolutely not bullet proof!!!!
-
Have a "board-safe" with a limited amount of money prepared to
hand over.
Tell the pirates that you use credit cards and not cash.
Be aware that the pirates maybe are under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
-
Pirates usually rob you, but do not necessarily hurt you.
-
To get time for the escape, pirates usually tie the crew up and tow the
yacht on the open sea.
When they left...
-
Release an emergency call (pan pan) on the radio.
-
If you need help give your precise position and situation
on the radio.
-
Train emergency calls...it is not as easy when you are very nervous and
flustered...
...useful equipment on board
Secure-Ship
Secure-Ship is the most recent and effective innovation in
the fight against piracy. It is a non-lethal, electrifying fence surrounding the
whole ship, which has been specially adapted for maritime use. The fence uses
9,000-volt pulse to deter boarding attempts. An intruder coming in contact with
the fence will receive an unpleasant non-lethal shock that will result in the
intruder abandoning the attempted boarding. At the same time an alarm will go
off, activating floodlights and a very loud siren. The International
Maritime Bureau strongly recommends ship owners to install this device on
board their ships. Further details can be obtained at www.secure-ship.com
ShipLoc
ShipLoc is an
inexpensive satellite tracking system, which allows shipping companies, armed
only with a personal computer with Internet access, to monitor the exact
location of their vessels. The International
Maritime Bureau strongly encourages ship owners to install this device on
board their ships. In addition to anti-hijacking role, ShipLoc facilitates
independent and precise location of ships at regular intervals. Further details
can be obtained at www.shiploc.com
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