Security Tips for Cruising Sailors

PREFACE

Unlawful interference with ships and yachts, which includes piracy, hijacking, terrorism, sabotage, theft, drug trafficking, fugitives from justice, stowaways, etc., is a topic that editors of most yachting magazines shun. This is understandable because even the thought of unlawful interference is enough to dampen the enthusiasm of many of those contemplating the purchase of a new vessel or equipment, or planning an extended cruise. Any mention of piracy is not good for the sale of yachting magazines and the hundreds of products advertised in them.

The following is a synopsis of articles I have written over the years and submitted to the yachting press. None have been published previously.

My aim is not to frighten the reader but to make him or her cognizant of the matter so that reasonable precautions might be taken.

NEED FOR SECURITY

According to the last Wood’s International Yacht Register, almost 200 yachts of 80’ or greater length have been untraced for a period of five years or more. This number does not include hundreds of 30’ to 80’ cruising sailboats. A review of these statistics reveals that some of the vessels are quite old and have probably been decommissioned and broken up. Others were probably overcome by the elements or perhaps their owners are not interested in keeping their vessels reported in the register. Some, however, remain untraced because they have fallen victim to one form of nefarious activity or another.

The International Maritime Bureau’s Annual Piracy Report reveals that acts of unlawful interference with ships are on the rise and furthermore, incidents are becoming increasingly more audacious and violent. Incidents range from the theft of a few cans of paint to hijacking boats and murdering their crew. The hijacking and subsequent total disappearance of the 2,651 ton Suci, after her crew were forced overboard in one of the ship’s boats, is typical of several incidents in recent years.

Analysis of the IMO’s 2014 Annual Piracy Report reveals that there were 242 acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships reported in that year. Twenty-one ships were hijacked, 88 acts of violence were committed against crew, and 137 crew hostages taken. About 33% of these incidents occurred on the high seas, another third in territorial waters, and one third were incidents of robbery or theft while