The gun debate continues...

I was reading through dockwalk.com and came across these articles.

http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/HotTopics.aspx?id=12580 - some very common sense thinking, and notice all events handled without injury.

http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/HotTopics.aspx?id=8888 - brings up the question of guns onboard or not for debate.

As always, it is up to the owner and captain of the vessel as to the methods of providing security for the vessel. We will do our best to insure the captain/owner are educated on the risks and benefits of their actions. And provide alternatives, if necessary.

A Follow up to an earlier posting

A Follow up to an earlier posting

Further Information on recent "yacht hijack" off Somalia

Ecoterra International report today (Sunday 28 December) with some clarification concerning the attack reported below on 17 December.

It has become clear now that the private but commercially used tourist-motor yacht had Yemeni coastguard officers contracted as ship-riders. The officers opened fire on an approaching skiff after radio-warnings were not adhered to and the skiff maintained a collision course even after course adjustments made by the yacht. The skiff after several shots were fired then turned away and didn't return, while the yacht - after dropping the guards at a Yemen border-port - proceeded undisturbed to Salalah in Oman.

See the original report below.

NAIROBI, Dec 17 (Reuters)

Reuters report that pirates have hijacked a yacht in the Gulf of Aden, the third ship to be taken within 24 hours off Somalia despite the presence of international navies.

"I know that a yacht was taken on Tuesday night. There were two people on board but we have no other information on that case," Andrew Mwangura of the Kenyan-based East African Seafarers Assistance programme.

Pirates also hijacked an Indonesian tugboat used by French oil company Total off the coast of Yemen and a Turkish cargo ship on Tuesday, Mwangura said.

A surge in hijackings in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean this year has earned Somali gunmen millions of dollars in ransoms, hiked shipping insurance costs and sent foreign navies rushing to patrol the busy shipping lanes off Somalia.

More information as we receive it.

A holistic view on Seacurity

As part of our services, we promote the idea of holistic security - it is not just security devices or blazing guns.

Security is part of the lifestyle we lead. A great example was pointed out twice this month, once at
boatsecurity.blogspot.com and in Houseboat magazine (Dec 2008) - both dealing with live-a-boards and the safety/security they can provide, as a neighborhood watch type function, and to help with immediate safety events (weather related and manmade). Be sure to get to know your neighbors.

Along the same lines is this posting from Boat Security and Safety Blog -
http://boatsecurity.blogspot.com/2008/12/fire-safety-tips-marina-fire-safety.html.

Have a Happy New Year.

Somali Pirate Article in Newsweek

On page 2 is the line most applicable to us here - "Luxury yachts are what we are looking for, because what we need is money, and if we get a luxury yacht, we make a fortune."

As always, be aware and attentive of your surroundings. Don't be paranoid, be aware.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/175980?gt1=43002 - Newsweek - The Evil Solution

A long absence...

Been busy as all get out lately.

The business is starting to come along, the day job has been hectic, all good things.

Here are a couple of links for you - drop me a comment and let me know what your concerns are.

FBI wants your assistance
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2008-12-18-1

Pirates take second yacht off Somalia
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20081118114353ibinews.html

Marine Magellan Insight GPS
http://boatsecurity.blogspot.com/2008/12/for-vessel-master-that-wants-security.html

A couple of links and comments

Comment One.

http://tslrf.blogspot.com/2008/11/pirates.html
Friday, November 28, 2008

Pirates

So pirates are back, with another hijacked ship of the Somali coast... The three man security team put up a "sustained non-lethal defence" of the ship, before being overcome. Now I don't want to be too much of an asshole, but seriously? A sustained non-lethal defense? Pirates are trying to kill you, and you go for the non-lethal? Here is an idea for ships in the area, carry guns. When they try to shoot you, shoot them. This is not rocket science, is the old school way of fighting pirates. The pirate captain was quoted, saying, "Who can stop them? Americans and British all put together cannot do anything."

Is this where we are at? Whats sad about this quote is that he is half right. We have chosen not to do anything. Its not that we cant, but we lack the balls. Where is Jefferson when we need him?

Comment - It is up to the yachtsman/cruiser to take actions to prepare himself and his vessel, not the government or anyone else.

Comment Two.

http://infidelsarecool.com/2008/11/29/day-4-in-mumbai-its-finally-over/
- approx. halfway down -

Ten men, all apparently in their early 20s, jumped out. They stripped off orange windbreakers to reveal T-shirts and blue jeans. Then they began hoisting large, heavy backpacks out of the boat and onto their shoulders, each taking care to claim the pack assigned to him.

Mr. Dhanur flipped his boat light toward the men, and Kashinath Patil, a 72-year-old harbor official on duty nearby, asked the men what they were doing.

“I said: ‘Where are you going? What’s in your bags?’ “ Mr. Patil recalled. “They said: ‘We don’t want any attention. Don’t bother us.’ “

Thus began a crucial phase of one of the deadliest terrorist assaults in Indian history, one that seemed from the start to be coordinated meticulously to cause maximum fear and chaos.

Comment - Could this have been stopped by early questioning of suspicious activities? Be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts.

Sobering news - and what does it portend?

Terrorists in Mumbai attack arrive by boat

By IBI Magazine

Terrorists who attacked the financial district, railway station and two upscale hotels yesterday in Mumbai arrived by small high-speed boats, according to local press reports. The terrorists, whose boats may be registered in Pakistan, are responsible for the killing of at least 100 people and wounding of 200 more.

According to Sify.com, the terrorists arrived by boat at the Gateway of India jetty, which is Mumbai's most identifiable landmark, and then crossed the street to the Taj Mahal palace. They also commandeered vehicles to attack the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway station, the Leopold café while entering the Taj and the Oberoi Trident hotels. They are still holding tourists as hostages in the hotels. Reports say the terrorists singled out US and UK citizens.

The Gateway of India jetty is a popular tourist destination and typically has 200 boats moored there. "We know they arrived at the jetty and then began targeting popular sites in south Mumbai. We have yet to establish if they came in from sea routes from Karachi," a top intelligence told the website.

"Unlike previous terror attacks in cities across India this year that involved planting bombs, this time around gunmen have been at the forefront lobbing grenades and firing from their AK-47 assault weapons," the official said. "The attackers call themselves the Deccan Mujahideen but we have not heard of such a group and we don't know if it is genuine. But we understand that some of the terrorists spoke Hindi from eyewitnesses."

Other news sources speculate that the attackers are Pakistani nationals and that their boats are registered in Pakistan. The Times of India reported that Colaba police have impounded four boats used by the terrorists to reach the Mumbai coast. Indian warships and surveillance aircraft are searching around Mumbai to look for a 'Mother Ship' which could have ferried the terrorists and their boats.

Terrorist attacks by small boats are not unprecedented. Al Qaeda used a small boat in 2000 to attack the USS Cole in Yemen. The Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka have also used small boats to attack that country's navy, including "stealth suicide craft." US officials have speculated that small boats could be used to attack major urban centers in US ports or other strategic targets like liquid propane gas terminals.

(27 November 2008)

As awful as the actual events are, what knee jerk reactions from the various governments around the world going to do to civilian yachtsmen/cruisers/boaters? Keep an eye out for excessive regulation coming down the pike, for "our own safety" of course.

Latest update for Maritime Vital Asset Protection, LLC

We have been busy. We recently acquired from Pam at pamcom security her internet security and surveillance camera sites, and are in the process of updating and learning how the whole venture works.

Please check out the sites.

http://www.pamcompersonalsecurity.com/

http://www.pamcomsecuritysystems.com/

Also working in tandem with Phantom Security, link is on the right hand side.

We are committed to helping educate and assist the civilian yachting/cruising/boating community - drop us a line and let us help you.

Don

Sad news from Venezuela

Here are some links to an attack that has occurred in Venezuela.

http://www.cruisingworld.com/destinations/caribbeancentral-america/pirate-attack-claims-life-of-beloved-cruiser-1000067340-p1.html

http://www.doyleguides.com/updatesvenez.html

http://forums.cruisingworld.com/showthread.php?t=18146

US Consulate Guayaquil issues Piracy Warning for Ecuador

An article from www.maritimeterrorism.com

Posted by Akiva

November 24, 2008

In their latest Warden Message (November 19, 2008) the U.S. Consulate Guayaquil issued a piracy warning for Ecuador. In their message the U.S. Consulate General and U.S. Embassy Ecuador wishes to inform American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador to use extreme caution when sailing near the coast of Ecuador, as there was a recent incident of armed robbery at sea off the coast of Ensenada de Pedernales, Manabi by modern day pirates. Recreational craft, merchant vessels and fishing boats all are at risk for attack by pirates. This incident highlights the continuing danger of maritime travel off the coast of Ecuador. If transit off the coast is unavoidable, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, transit over the horizon from land, and maintain good communication at all times.

Before planning a trip at sea research anti-piracy measures. Ensure your vessel maintains an Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmitter, working transponders and HF and VHF radios, use high illumination lights after dark, lock your doors to living spaces, gather information from other vessels, have personnel on watch on deck at night, increase your speed, and keep your distance from suspicious ships. A reported pirate tactic has been to issue a false distress call to lure a vessel closer into a trap; therefore caution should be taken when responding to distress calls.

The Department of State encourages U.S. citizens to ensure that standard U.S. Coast Guard required safety equipment is aboard; including life preservers are available prior to getting underway. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness, even when on the open seas. The U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Consulate General will continue to monitor the situation and keep American citizens apprised of any further developments.

Americans living or traveling in Ecuador are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. Please see the following links for local warden message information in Quito and Guayaquil.

U.S. citizens should consult the Country Specific Information for Ecuador and the latest Travel Alerts and Warnings and Worldwide Caution at the Department's web site. Updated information on travel and security in Ecuador may also be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or by calling +1-202-501-4444 outside the United States.

The U.S. Embassy in Quito is located at Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro. The telephone during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is (011) 593 2 398 5000 X3800. Within the same city use the last seven digits. Add the city code for intercity telephone calls. See also the Embassy web site. American Citizen walk-in hours are between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday thruThursday, excluding U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays.

The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is located at the corner of Avenida 9 de Octubre and Garcia Moreno (near the Hotel Oro Verde); telephone (011) 593 4 232-3570 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or 232-1152 for after-hours emergencies; fax (011-593-4) 232-0904. See the Consulate General web site . American Citizen walk in hours are between 12:00 and 4:00, Monday thru Thursday, excluding U.S. and Ecuadorian holidays.

Sources:
Warden Message, U.S. Consulate Guayaquil
Warden Message, OSAC

The Triton - a great resource

Folks - sign up for the Triton (http://www.the-triton.com) (or pick up a copy) - some good articles for yachtsmen and cruisers. this months has a couple of good articles on piracy as it pertains to the smaller vessels.

Article From Noonsite - Nov 20, 2008

A View on Piracy in the Indian Ocean

Created by val. Last modified on 2008-11-20 15:03:37
Topic: Piracy

The recent audacious hijack of a giant supertanker from Saudi Arabia by Somali pirates off the Kenyan coast has dismayed the world, carried out in spite of the presence of more and more of the world's battleships. There has been no lack of news from the troubled area, but what does it mean for the cruising sailor?

If you were (or are) thinking of sailing between Asia and Europe right now, the obvious choice is to avoid the area altogether and sail around the coast of Africa, which carries its own difficulties. There's another way of thinking about it - with piracy so successful a venture for the Somalis, maybe they won't be worrying about pickings from a few tiny sailboats in the Gulf of Aden. Anyone want to test that theory? (or going to?)

On the issue of danger, it's worth remembering that the Caribbean Sea is much more dangerous than the Indian Ocean. While kidnapping is hardly pleasant, no deaths or injury have been recorded for cruising sailors in the Indian Ocean, while sailors have been left injured, permanently maimed or dead from pirate attacks in the Caribbean.

Courtesy Sail-World's Cruising World newsletter 20th Nov. 2008

Thanks to the folks at Noonsite for the reminder - even though the focus in the media is on commercial shipping, Somalia and piracy, cruising sailors still need to take measures to protect themselves.

Two from Noonsite - Violent attacks against cruisers

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2008-11-10-1/view

Fatal Pirate Attack in Venezuela

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-11-10 17:19:20
Topic: Piracy Reports 2008
Countries: Venezuela

It has been reported on cruising forums that on Sunday night an American, the captain of the vessel Chill, Ken Peters, was killed by pirates at Isla Borracha near Puerto La Cruz.

It appears that Ken and his wife Cathy were anchored with another boat I'Lean, with fellow cruisers Steve & Gloria Davis aboard. Both boats had departed Puerto La Cruz from Bahía Redonda Marina headed west and had stopped at Isla Corracha for the night to clean the boat bottoms and prepare for the voyage west.

At approximately 1730 on Sunday a piñero with 3 men aboard approached the two anchored yachts asking for water. When one of the crew came back up from below with water, they shot Ken with pistols, and attempted to kill Steve. Details are not precise, but Steve apparently then shot at the pirates with a shotgun killing one and injuring another. Ken was killed in the exchange and Steve was shot in the thigh.

The Guarda Costa was called and responded and the 2 boats returned to Puerto La Cruz. It has been reported by cruisers in PLC that the whole community are in a state of shock and grief and that a large scale exodus of cruisers is probable.

The Venezuelan coast remains dangerous and prudent cruisers would be wise to avoid it for the time being.

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2008-11-10-1/view

Attention Yachts Cruising the Ecuadorian Coast

Created by sue. Last modified on 2008-11-09 16:35:47
Topic: Piracy Reports 2008
Countries: Ecuador

SY ARGONAUTA I, currently cruising the Costa Rican coast, reported hearing of an armed boarding in Ecuador via the Panama Pacific Net, 0800 hrs local on 8 November 2008.

SY SARANA reported that while at anchor overnight they experienced an armed boarding and robbery by four men. The pirates stole money and electronic items and roughed up a crew member. Fortunately, injuries amounted to cuts and bruises.

The location of the attack was near Punta Pedernales, Equador. Co-ordinates 00 03N/080 050W.

The crew reported the incident to both the US and Ecuadorian Coast Guards. Ecuadorian authorities came on board to interview the crew.

Yachts traveling the Ecuadorian coast should note the area where the attack took place and be advised to avoid the area.

Please take proper precautions, be vigilant and cruise safely. Drop me a line to learn more actions you can take.

A reminder for all

Man found guilty in murder of couple tossed off yacht, 1 other

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/10/20/yatch.killings.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch

Just a reminder that protection of you, your vessel and loved ones does not occur only when cruising. It can happen right at home. Be vigilant and prepared.

It would have been better if the couple had been able to defend themselves adequately against this scum.

Don

New Issue of Soundings magazine

The November 2008 issue of Soundings has an article that compares various trailer locks, motor locks, etc. Very good for the protection of your trailerable vessel, and also applicable to your dinghy stored on deck, while at anchor.

Check back often for more yacht and small craft security news and tips.

Course correction for the sites

All readers,
Lately I have been reporting a bit on the larger maritime and shipping security world.
I have found a nice site that does it well - http://www.maritimeterrorism.com.

I will shift my focus back to the areas that we here at Maritime Vital Asset Protection and the folks at Phantom Services do best - helping civilian yachtsmen and cruisers keep themselves and their vessels safe.

Drop me a line, let me know what you think.

New Links as of 06 Oct 2008

International community against piracy
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27020496/


AfterAirportStopKevinMitnickSharesTravelTips.html - because security isn't just about guns and pirates - it can also be about protecting personal information (opsec)
http://www.securitypronews.com/news/securitynews/spn-45-20081001

For a lighter side of things, for those a bit down these days...
http://www.strayreality.com/songmer1.htm

Somalia Piracy Update

More news from the Horn of Africa region, this time from YachtPals.

http://www.yachtpals.com/piracy-yachts-3072

East Africa - Strange happenings in both Somalia and Kenya this past week, and while they don't all have something directly to do with yachts, they do affect all vessels near the horn of Africa. The battle for safe transit of the Gulf of Aden and the Somali coast has gotten a lot hotter, and many speculate this will not end quickly or well. However, with the recent arrest of a prominent African maritime official, there are fewer left to say anything at all.

First off, Somali pirates were reported as saying that they would kill every European on every vessel they seized, until the pirates captured on the yachts Carre D'as IV, and Le Ponant were returned. These pirates are incarcerated and awaiting trial in Paris, and were captured while escaping on foot from the Le Ponant ransom operation, and on board the Carre D'as IV.

Following this, a Ukrainian ship loaded with 33 Russian T-72 tanks, spare parts, ammo and small arms was captured by pirates, and held for an initial ransom of $35,000,000. After a US warship blockaded the freighter, the price went down to $20,000,000, and is currently dwindling below $5 million. Where were the tanks heading? Good question! Initial reports were that they were headed to Kenya, However, Andrew Mwangura of the Seafarers Assistance Programme (SAP) stated that the arms were actually going to the Sudan.

Then, Mwangura was arrested, and tossed in jail in Kenya, as what he said about the whole Sudan arms sale was considered "making an alarming statement," which is actually against the law in Kenya. The East African SAP basically doesn't exist without Andrew, who provides information to mariners about the region, and particularly about piracy along the Somali coast and Gulf of Aden. He has been an important contact in Africa for YachtPals, most recently trading information about the Carre D'as IV, and we hope that Andrew Mwangura is not being held for speaking the truth, nor for simply speaking his mind.

Finally, while this has been going on, Somalia publicly - if not, some say, necessarily completely officially - gave the green light for foreign contries to come and clean up the mess along the Somali coast. Of course, this was from the provisional government of Somalia, not to be confused with the semi-autonomous regional government of Puntland (where most of the Pirates are), nor the semi-autonomous regional government of Somaliland, neither of which respect the provisional government of Somalia. Then, of course, there's the dozens of warlords with their own loyalties...

- YachtPals Crew exclusively for YachtPals.com

Read more about:

• Piracy (all articles about piracy)
• Piracy Somalia (all articles about piracy in Somalia)
• Le Ponant Yacht - French Hostages
  
• Playa de Bakio - Pirates Attack Boat in Somalia
• German Hostages kept by Pirates in Somalia
• Somalia Piracy Out of Control
• Pirates Kidnap French Yacht Crew (original article about the pirate attack on the yacht Carré d'As IV)
• Somalia Pirates - French Hostages Phone Home
• Captured Yacht Carre D'as IV Decoy for Somalian Pirates?
• French Attack Somalian Pirates - Carra D'as IV Hostages Free

Submitted By YachtPals on 03 Oct

Piracy report from UKMTO for Gulf of Aden

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2008-10-02-3/view

There continues to be Piracy activity in the Gulf of Aden and once again on the East Coast of Somalia.

In the Gulf of Aden there appears to be targeting of vessels being carried out around position 13 30N 050 04E. All vessels should be extra vigilant when transiting within a 10nm radius of this position.

In recent attacks Pirates have played music on Ch.16 to try to jam the channel and stop vessels contacting the coalition warships.

A Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) has been established to provide a route through the Gulf of Aden which will be patrolled by Combined Task Force (CTF) 150.

Whilst it cannot guarantee that attacks will not happen, it is hoped that 150 assets will be able to respond faster to any attacks and the patrols will act as a deterrent.

Coordinates of the Security Corridor in the Gulf of Aden are as follows

Waypoint: 12 15N 045E
Waypoint: 12 35N 045E
Waypoint: 13 35N 049E
Waypoint: 13 40N 049E
Waypoint: 14 10N 050E
Waypoint: 14 15N 050E
Waypoint: 14 35N 053E
Waypoint: 14 45N 053E

Since the inception of the MSPA, CTF 150 has helped deter more than a dozen attacks in the Gulf of Aden (per 22 Sep 08 reporting). However, criminals have still successfully targeted several vessels in the region.

The MSPA was established on August 22, 2008 in support of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) call for international assistance to discourage attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden. The MSPA is a geographic area in the Gulf of Aden utilized by Combined Maritime Forces to focus their efforts against de-stabilizing activities. Coalition forces patrol the MSPA, which is not marked or defined by visual navigational means, on a routine basis.

"Coalition maritime efforts will give the IMO time to work international efforts that will ultimately lead to a long-term solution," said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, Combined Maritime Forces. "This is a problem that starts ashore and requires an international solution. We made this clear at the outset - our efforts cannot guarantee safety in the region. Our part in preventing some of these destabilizing activities is only one part of the solution to preventing further attacks."

All vessels off the coast of Somalia and transiting the Gulf of Aden are advised to maintain a strict 24 hrs anti-piracy visual watch and radar watch and should not hesitate to activate GMDSS, in addition to calling for assistance on VHF, if the vessel comes under threat.

The Triton - A good source of information for Florida yachtsmen

The folks at Triton (http://www.thetriton.com/) put out a great monthly paper.

This month, they remind us of the TWIC deadlines, and a host of other topics.

Highly recommended reading. Part of the job of security is awareness and knowledge, and this is a good place to start.

Somalia still in the news

Folks, there seems to be several stories regarding Somalia and the pirate gangs thereabouts. They seem to be focusing on holding the yacht/ship and crew for ransom, vice stealing the vessel or goods.

Lots of international attention, and implications in some of the cargoes being taken.

One sample link I found interesting: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,429663,00.html

Jobs: Armed Security, Louisiana and South Texas

Jobs: Armed Security, Louisiana and South Texas

from feraljundi.com by headjundi

I got this from Jeff, so thanks. -Head Jundi

—————————————————————–

As most of you know FEMA has contracted out for security in Louisiana and Texas. here is the requirement I have. They say they will take as many bodies as I can provide. Call me at the office so we can talk. Feel free to share this email with your other contacts.

Armed Security needed for post Hurricane recovery efforts in Louisiana and South Texas. Transportation provided. $1700 week Immediate requires for 30 days, billeting provided as well. Interested parties contact undersigned send me a resume if available in softcopy. Should have a handgun permit or security license from U.S. State or municipality and driver?s license.

VR

James Mattes

Director Special Operations Branch

Metropolitan Protective Service, Inc.

5001 Forces Blvd. Suite 200

Lanham Md. 20706

Phone 301-772-8278/3097/2412

Fax: 301-772-5099

Cell 301-442-2476

e-mail: mattesmps@yahoo.com

Good news from the Yemeni Government?

More visibility is a good thing in regards to building awareness. I just tend to be a bit leery of great, international efforts.

From the Noonsite news. (http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2008-09-18-1)

Yemen to establish three regional anti-piracy centers along the Gulf of Aden

The Yemeni government approved on Tuesday 9 September the establishment of three regional centers to combat maritime piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Bab Al-Mandab Strait and to protect international maritime traffic in these areas.

The government declared that the three centers would be established in the port cities of Aden and Mukkalla, on the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea Port of Hudeidah. They would work to “enhance security and stability in the region and protect different ships from piracy.”

Sail-World.com report that Yemen will host the second regional meeting on combating piracy on 27-30 October, with 20 countries participating. Diplomatic sources said that Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Djibouti, Jordan, Somalia, Comoros, France, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, The Seychelle Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Eritrea, Mozambique and Yemen would sign a memorandum of understanding to combat piracy.

Since the beginning of the year, over 34 ships, tankers and yachts have been hijacked in the region of the Horn of Africa and in the Gulf of Aden. Eight of these piracy acts have taken place since July and have aimed to sieze goods and kidnap crews of the ships in order to demand ransom.

For his part, Shuja Al-Deen Mahdi, general director of Coastguard operations, told the Yemen Times that international support for the three new anti-piracy centers would include providing them with equipment, modern liaison devices and boats, as well as new maritime platforms.

“We are in need of international support, especially from Gulf countries, to secure the coast of the Arabian Sea along the Abyan and Al-Mahrah governorates,” said Al-Mahdi, pointing out that most drug-smuggling operations from Africa and Asia cross this area on their way to Gulf countries.

He confirmed that Yemen was “currently unable to secure international navigation routes”, noting that this was despite the Yemeni Coastguard running five anti-piracy centers in Aden, Al-Buraiqah, Ras Amran, Khawr Al-Umrah in the Lahj governorate and in the Shaqrah region of the Abyan governorate.

He maintained that the Yemeni Coastguard Authority needs ten new fighter boats in order to be able to undertake its task properly and stay out at sea for weeks without coming back to the mainland for fuel. He said that the fighter boats available to the Yemeni Coastguard at present are incapable of carrying out long-term maritime tasks.

Watch out for "shady deals"

In the aftermath of the storms on the Gulf Coast, be aware of the market for "great deals:. Have your boat surveyed, and ensure a good ownership check is done. I have a feeling there are people who will attempt to take advantage of the situation.

Ike's victims: "Many hundreds, if not thousands, of vessels sunk"

By IBI Magazine (http://www.ibinews.com)

A BoatUS catastrophe team coordinator surveying the damage caused by Hurricane Ike told IBI this morning that "many hundreds, if not thousands," of boats were sunk by the winds and tidal surge. Ike roared ashore near Galveston, Texas, last Saturday, and left a path of devastation in marinas along the entire coast.

Officials have closed Galveston, which was hardest-hit, after tens of thousands of residents created a traffic nightmare yesterday while attempting to return to the barrier island southwest of Houston. The Associated Press reported that Texas search and rescue teams have pulled out of Galveston after checking on almost 6,000 people and performing more than 3,500 rescues. Fearing the possible onset of disease, town managers are pleading with residents still holed up in their homes to leave.

Galveston is also a major boating centre. Mike McCook, head of 15 members of the BoatUS catastrophe team on the ground in Texas, says that many hundreds of boats on the island were severely impacted by the hurricane. "If any survived undamaged, I would be surprised," he told IBI.

McCook estimates that "many hundreds, if not thousands" of boats were sunk by last weekend's hurricane. "The damage to boats and marinas is very broad, spread out about 400 miles along the coast," said McCook. "But it also went inland quite a ways, all the way north to Ohio and Pennsylvania, where boats were sunk because of flooding."

McCook says that, beyond Galveston, boating-intensive areas along the coast were also heavily damaged. "I spoke to the manager of the Watergate Marina and he said that of the 1,200 boats in his marina, 300 were sunk," said McCook. "I've also heard that dozens of boats in the Houston Yacht Club in La Porte were badly damaged."

Joel Rubin, owner of the Gulf Coast Marina and Boat Storage facility in Surfside, told IBI that he and his workers had heeded orders, boarded up their dry-stack facility and left town. When they returned, he had a pleasant surprise. "We took minimal damage," said Rubin. "It could've been a whole lot worse."

Rubin said that his building was rated for a category 2 hurricane and withstood the intense winds and surge. But he said that surrounding marinas and bridges did not fare so well. "Just looking at them, I can see they took a pretty good hit," he said.

IBI will provide further coverage as details emerge.

(18 September 2008)

Good news!

French forces rescued two recently kidnapped yachtsmen in Somalia in the last few days.

I hope we see more efforts like this.

Fatal Attack on French Cruising Couple in Venezuela

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2008-09-17-2/view

A French Catamaran skipper was shot dead during an attack last Sunday night – 14 September – on board his yacht at anchor outside Marina de Caraballeda, situated on the Central Litoral coast between La Guaira and Cabo Codera, Venezuela.

Caracas newspaper "El Universal", report that four robbers attacked French yacht "Chrisalide", using a pirogue to reach the yacht at anchor. In resisting the attack, Skipper Philip Armand Leudiere, age 61, was shot several times in the head. The second crew member on board, Philip’s wife Catherine Marie Therese de Leudiere, remained captive until the robbers had finished their looting, taking an undisclosed quantity of money and equipment.

It appears that the pirogue driver was scared on hearing the shooting down below and fled, leaving the remaining robbers to swim ashore. Mrs de Leudiere alerted police by firing a red flare when the robbers had left. It appears the couple did not hear the robbers board their yacht until they were down below.

This is not the first robbery or attack on a boat near Marina de Caraballeda, which frequently suffers petty theft and occasionally violence towards crews during robberies. However it is the first with this sad outcome.

Alfredo Penso of SV Irie, currently waiting for repairs to be finished to his yacht in Marina de Caraballeda, advises the following; "A note of caution to fellow sailors who visit our waters: Never, under any circumstances, anchor in the bay of Marina de Caraballeda for overnight stays. Please call VHF channel 16 to speak with the Marina Commodore or his assistant (they remain on duty during the daytime) and ask for help in anchoring. They will probably assign you a slip or even allow you to anchor inside the marina where they have security personnel".

Marina de Caraballeda is for public use and state owned and is officially closed for repairs due to the damage suffered during the 1999 land slides. However a lot of boats remain in the marina waiting to finish their repairs.

Sad news.

Our prayers go out to the family and friends.

Avast, me hearties!

At times, we need to not take ourselves so seriously 100 % of the time.

http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html

Enjoy Talk Like A Pirate Day.

Two links for Amel Super Maramu Carre D'as IV

Here are two links regarding a yacht seized off Somalia.

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2008-09-08-3/view

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2008-09-08-2

Please be cautious when dealing with other mariners in distress. The same principles governing helping people in distress on land (and scuba diving) should come into play - ensure you don't become a victim also.

Render assistance, just be smart and safe about it.

Again in Somalia

Reports of another yacht and crew taken off Somalia.

Be safe and aware wherever you travel the world, on land or sea. Sometimes shit happens, usually there are indicators and warnings. Be vigilant at all times - you'll probably enjoy the experiences a lot more, too, by paying more attention to the surroundings.

Drop me a line, let's start some dialogue going.

From "Soundings"

In the Sept 2008 issue, there are a couple of security-interest stories.

On page 12-13, a small story about the complexity/scope of security against the small boat threat.

On page 22, a few paragraphs about the pirate situation in Somalia.

On page 2 of the Florida Homewaters section, there is a small story about the airships that patrol the Straits. And a James Bond sighting in Panama.

Train hard, train smart. Be aware.

CODA news

http://www.nationalterroralert.com/updates/2008/08/11/new-underwater-anti-terrorism-technology-to-patrol-san-francisco-bay/

Coda Octopus Group, Inc. said today the Company’s Underwater Inspection System™ (UIS), developed in cooperation with the US Coast Guard, has been purchased by the Sheriff’s Office of Contra Costa County, CA. Contra Costa County will be the first on the West Coast to permanently deploy the UIS, developed after the 9/11 attacks to address the need for a new generation of port security technology to respond to underwater threats.

Hurricane season is upon us

As we are now entering into an intense period of storms, please ensure your vessel and crew are safe and protected.

Keep in mind that other people's inaction to protect their vessels (improperly secured to the berth) can damage your vessel that is safely secured.

Also, remember that after any major event, there are predators out there that will take advantage of the situation. Protect yourself and your assets.

Update to site

Here are some news items you may find interesting.

Germans freed by pirates (Somalia) - http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20080714105425ibinews.html

Tourists attacked in Guatemala - http://ph.news.yahoo.com/ap/20080811/twl-guatemala-us-tourist-killed-ef375f8.html

Armed robbery of Superyacht - http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2008-08-27-1/view. http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20080727115013ibinews.html

From Feraljundi - a great source for what is happening in the security sector - http://feraljundi.com/2008/08/27/maritime-security-the-wfp-may-use-private-naval-companies-for-somalia-operations/

There are several other items on my radar screen, dealing with boat thefts here in Florida. Protect what you have, let Maritime Vital Asset Protection give you a hand doing it.

Seen the news lately

There is good news and bad, it seems.

The German yachtsmen who were being held by some Somali pirates were released after 41 days. The bad news is that there are reports from Yemen that another yacht is feared taken by pirates.

One other piece of bad news - a retired couple was attacked in Guatemala - exact circumstances are still coming out.

Please prepare yourself for cruising. There is no need for paranoia, just more situational awareness and a few precautions and some of these incidents can be averted.

Drop Maritime Vital Asset Protection, LLC a line if you need assistance or training to help prepare you for your travels.

Raymarine Life Tag Wireless MOB System!

Raymarine Life Tag Wireless MOB System!

from GIIRA YACHTS - India's First Yacht Blog by Giira

Its always fun to go cruising down the river or cutting through the waves of the ocean with your family or friends on a nice Sunday evening. But there is always concern for safety for your little ones.


There was a time when you had to keep a watch on your kids all the time while you are out cruising. But when you are on a 150+ luxury mega yacht its very difficult to keep an eye on them. thats when Raymarine Life Tag Wireless MOB ( man over board) System comes in good use. Its a small light device which can be attached to child’s life jacket, or stuffed into a child’s pocket..


The Life Tag operates on the same wavelength as a master unit that is mounted in the center of the boat, so if the life tag or the life tag attached on the child gets drifted more than 30 feet from the center of the boat a loud beep alarm will be activated.

So if your yacht is docked at marina you will never fear your child wondering away from the boat or by any chance if your child falls off the boat while cruising the alarm will go on and the captain will immediately stop the boat and retrieve him/ her.


Its a great feature considering its rate. Costing just above 600$ for this unit, it is less than most larger, crewed charter yachts spend on champagne for the week. No doubt this product is going to do great in the market and i see it being used a lot on the chartered yachts that welcome family with young children. This product is simply amazing for its prise and size and is a must buy for all yacht owners!

Comment: A perfect addition to the lifesaving tools and skills to protect you and your loved ones.

TWIC Update

On a personal note, I received my Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) - about 2 1/2 weeks after applying.

When I applied, the office told me it would take 4-6 weeks.

I ma pleasantly surprised at the speed this took. In a good way.

Coda Octopus - Underwater Inspection System in 4 Dimensions

I had the pleasure of receiving a demonstration of the CODA UIS (Underwater Inspection System) in St. Petersburg, Florida this week. It is 4 dimensional as it works to provide information on the Height, Width, and Depth (3D) with the fourth dimension, Time, added in.

Basically, it provides a graphic display of the sea floor (or hull, or pilings under the pier) visually in real time - as you are traveling the length of the pier face, it is giving you the visual output at the same time - great for spotting anomalies that you will want to investigate further (such as suspicious objects, divers, etc.).

It can be a mobile platform (outfitted to a small craft) or a static position - the employment method is really limited to the imagination of the user.

For more information, please go to http://www.codaoctopus.com/. Let me know what you think.

Passport Card for Land and Sea travel

Joint Announcement From The U.S. Departments Of State And Homeland Security On Passport Card Production

Release Date: July 22, 2008

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that the new U.S. Passport Card is in full production and is now being distributed. The Passport Card is a convenient, wallet-sized document for land and sea travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not valid for international travel by air.

Beginning in June 2009, travelers will be required to present a single Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document denoting both citizenship and identity when entering the United States through a land or sea border.

More than 350,000 Americans pre-ordered the U.S. Passport Cards since the State Department began taking orders on February 1. Over 7,600 cards have already been mailed to advance customers, and all pre-orders are expected to be filled by September 30, 2008. After that initial distribution, the processing time for passport cards should be the same as for passport books – less than four weeks. Customers will be able to track the progress of their passport card application online beginning in mid-August.

The passport card will facilitate the frequent travel of Americans living in border communities by utilizing a vicinity-read radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. With this technology, DHS' U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers will be able to access photographs and other biographical information stored in secure government databases before the traveler reaches the inspection booth so that inspection can be facilitated. For privacy protection, no personal information is stored on the electronic chip itself. The chip will have only a unique number pointing to a stored record contained in secure government databases.

"We are pleased to offer Americans a choice of documents, the traditional passport book, and now the passport card, to meet their personal needs for international travel," said Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Janice L. Jacobs. "The passport card is the newest addition to the Department's long history of providing secure, reliable services to the American traveling public."

"We have been working closely with the U.S. Department of State to be able to provide another type of secure identification that is vital to protecting our nation's borders" said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Policy Stewart Baker. "The new passport cards will help facilitate legitimate travel while allowing our frontline personnel to focus more on those who may pose a threat."

The Passport Card is available for $45 for first-time adult applicants and $35 for children under 16. Adults who currently have valid passports can apply for the passport card by mail for $20.

Information on how to apply for a U.S. Passport Card or the traditional passport book is at travel.state.gov.

An Older link re DHS and small boaters

DHS may target small boats for RFID by Alice Lipowicz

The nation’s 18 million recreational boaters may need to register their crafts in a national database and place radio frequency identification tags on their vessels under plans put forth by a stakeholders group convened by the Homeland Security Department.

The new identification and security possibilities are outlined in the report from the DHS National Small Vessel Security Summit, published by the department and recently posted on its Web site. The report was written for DHS by Charles Brownstein, task force leader of the Homeland Security Institute, a nonprofit research group.

The department invited 260 people from the private and commercial boating community and government agencies to the first small vessel summit in June to identify and develop recommendations for recreational-boat security. Terrorism experts have identified a threat to U.S. coastlines and security from possible smuggling of materials and terrorists in such vessels.

The summit report indicates disagreement among recreational boaters on whether and how to use technologies for identification and registration. Recreational boaters participating in the summit objected to expanding the Automatic Identification System run by the Coast Guard to include small craft because it would be costly and impractical. The system currently applies to commercial boats over 65 feet in length.

But the boaters left the door open for limited use of the identification system, for RFID tags on vessels and for the Coast Guard’s Vessel Identification System national boat registration system.

“Some stakeholders did see limited application for the Automated Identification System or similar technology in the vicinity of high-value/high-risk assets within limited geographic bounds in a port or waterway. The Vessel Identification System, RFID technologies and other systems were also mentioned as potential low-cost solutions that might be an acceptable alternative to vessel tracking,” the report said.

Similarly controversial were expanding requirements for operator identification and vessel registration. The boaters were worried about inappropriate requirements that infringe on their civil liberties, cost too much and are too inconvenient, the report said.

Boaters were opposed to new identification requirements as well, but government executives participating in the summit seemed to favor that solution, the report said.

“Several government attendees advocated the development of a nationwide database of U.S. numbered and documented vessels to be used by federal, state and local law enforcement authorities to access boat registration information across the country. They also expressed a need to have uniform boating registration standards shared by all states,” the report said.

The stakeholders also made recommendations for fusion centers to share maritime intelligence, improved situational awareness for boaters, more mechanisms to report suspicious activity and expanded use of technologies to identify radiological and nuclear threats.

If the plans move forward, many of the ideas outlined by the stakeholders group present opportunities for contractors involved in database management, identification management, identity cards, information sharing and RFID. There also may be opportunities for biometrics, systems integrators and other information technology solutions providers.

The Coast Guard hosted a Great Lakes Small Vessel Security Summit in Cleveland on Jan. 15.

A link to the report in the second paragraph.

http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/small_vessel_NSVSS_Report_HQ_508.pdf

Old news, but still relevant to us today.

Surveillance

Here's a short piece on surveillance that cuts right to the meat of the matter.

http://barryeisler.com/extras_surveillance.php

All crime has a surveillance phase, even if it is just a quick glance about to see who's watching.

All travelers should be aware of their surroundings, to avoid or alert themselves of impending dangers.

Drownproofing

Today, let's look at "protection" from a slightly different perspective.

This time, we are not beset by bloodthirsty, crazed narco-terrorist pirates or a thief attempting to enter the salon. Let's expand the definition of protection to.... I fell off the damn boat.

Do you know how to "protect" yourself in the event of that unfortunate turn of events?

Or do your children and loved ones know how to stay afloat until you execute the required maneuvers to pick them up?

Take a look at the following web page, let me know what you think.

http://www.drownproofing.com/

Unbreakable Umbrella

From the blog of an acquaintance. A very good item to have in your arsenal

http://feraljundi.com/2008/07/25/cool-stuff-the-unbreakable-umbrella/

He has a great blog concerning security contracting and cool stuff. Always a pleasure to read his posts.

Part of a growing trend

Illegal entry: Two dozen Cubans caught on Florida pleasure boat

By IBI Magazine

Twenty-eight Cubans trying to illegally enter the US were arrested last weekend, after a Florida deputy sheriff stopped a smuggler's boat for a routine inspection. The incident is the latest in the increased use of pleasure boats to smuggle Cubans into the US.

According to a story in the Palm Beach Post, a marine patrol deputy stopped a 1988 46ft (14m) Sea Ray near St Lucie Inlet State Park in the St Lucie River after midnight. When the deputy sheriff tried to board the boat, it sped off.

Ruben Hernandez, the owner of the boat, ran for about a mile before stopping at a dock. About two dozen of the people on board tried to get off the boat and make it to shore.

Under US policy, known as "wet foot, dry foot", Cuban refugees who touch US soil before they are captured are allowed to stay in the country. But those who are caught at sea are returned.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials took into custody 17 men, five women and one boy who tried to make it to shore. Five Cubans who stayed on the boat were turned over to the US Coast Guard and will be returned to Cuba.

The incident is part of a growing trend of smugglers using large cruisers or high-speed powerboats to move Cubans into Florida. Local law authorities have reported a rash of boat thefts in the last year, which they attribute to the rise in human trafficking. Smugglers, according to news reports, charge Cubans tens of thousands of dollars for passage to the US.

Hernandez was charged with resisting an officer with violence, and reckless operation of a vessel. He will also face charges from immigration officials.

(23 July 2008)

This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Boat theft from Florida is on the increase. Take care of your craft - if you need assistance, drop me a line. We here at Maritime Vital Asset Protection, LLC, are ready to lend you a hand protecting your most precious assets - your vessel(s) and the people who use them.

Don

Albinus of Angers, patron saint against pirate attacks

Albinus had a big heart (as saints tend to have) and couldn’t resist a call of distress. He used church money to free hostages from pirates. Obviously, pirate attacks aren’t very common today, but in the 10th century, St. Albinus came in handy for the people of the walled town of Guerande. They had gotten word that pirates were on their way to attack the village and immediately started to pray to St. Albinus. The attackers were mysteriously deterred and the town was saved.

My source for this is http://www.neatorama.com/2008/07/07/eight-patron-saints-you-may-or-may-not-need/

Thanks to Master At Arms James A Keating (http://www.jamesakeating.com/maajak1.html) for his great resource site.

Any comments? Drop me a line here. Thanks for stopping by.

Don

From Noonsite - Asian Piracy Conference

U S Coastguard Helping Asian Countries Against Piracy

Neighboring countries working together in Asia have reduced serious maritime piracy incidents but the concept needs to be expanded, according to experts at the first gathering of the South Asia Regional Port Security Cooperative (SARPSCO), supported by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Southeast Asia is no longer regarded as the world's most dangerous piracy zone because of joint maritime and aerial patrolling among the littoral states of the Malacca Strait, said conference speakers.

For the most serious types of piracy, where entire ships are seized and crews removed, sometimes being thrown overboard, "the numbers have indeed shown a downward trend over the last five years," says Nicholas Teo, the Deputy Director of the Information Sharing Center of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).

Countering piracy, robberies and terrorism at ports and at sea by sharing information, best practices and resources are being discussed here at a first-of-its-kind port security conference for nine central Indian Ocean maritime states. They are: Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

In addition to coast guards, customs agencies, maritime administrations, navies and transportation ministries, also attending SARPSCO are international port operators.

While the situation in Southeast Asia has improved, the number of violent attacks on commercial vessels and pleasure craft is increasing elsewhere, notably in the western Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.

The U.S. Coast Guard facilitated the inaugural four-day SARPSCO meeting.

"We have been and are able to offer capacity building to the region," says Capt. Gerald M. Swanson, commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Activities Far East. "We are willing to share information and best security practices with all maritime stakeholders."

US Coast Guard Activities Far East, headquartered at Tokyo, is one of only two overseas Coast Guard commands and responsible for facilitating port security, maritime safety and international engagement throughout a 41-nation Asia-Pacific region.

www.uscghawaii.com/go/doc/800/203625/

Comment: There is still a need to be vigilant. While the commercial acts are declining, there are still attacks occurring against pleasure craft - please be vigilant about providing your own self protection.

US Homeland Security Chief outlines marine protection strategy

More security news pertaining to recreational boating

US Homeland Security Chief outlines marine protection strategy

By IBI Magazine

Speaking to members of the American Boating Congress (ABC) this week, Michael Chertoff, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, outlined a general plan of action to combat potential terrorists threats in US waters. Chertoff also used the occasion to introduce the department's latest report, the DHS Small Vessel Security Strategy, which will be a blueprint for moving forward.

"You all know that there is of course a real connection between the security issues we confront at the department, and boating," said Chertoff. "Even though 9/11 involved aircraft, before 9/11 there was in fact the Cole bombing, and before the Cole bombing there was the attempted bombing of the U.S.S. Sullivan. We have to, therefore, accept the reality that there is a risk to our security that comes from someone misusing a boat for terrorist purposes."

Chertoff said that the US has "literally thousands of miles of coastline" as well as 361 ports, including eight of the world's 50 highest volume ports, and 10,000 miles of navigable waterways. "According to a 2007 U.S. Coast Guard study of 9 U.S. ports, there were approximately 3,000 small commercial vessels, 3,000 fishing vessels, and 400,000 recreational vessels in the vicinity of important maritime infrastructure in this country," he said.

The Homeland Security Chief said that small boats could be used to smuggle in terrorists or weapons of mass destruction or even be used as weapons against ports. "And making it particularly difficult to address these threats is the fact that we don't have a complete operation picture of the domestic and international recreational boating public, their travel patterns, and the facilities that they use," said Chertoff. "While we've made tremendous strides in port and cargo security and protecting our coastal and inland waterways, we have some serious security gaps that we need to close."

Chertoff said that he wants to use boaters as "the eyes and ears" of law enforcement agencies to prevent possible terrorist threats. "The strategy recognizes as a cornerstone that as members of the small vessel community, you have a stake in securing maritime domain," he said. "If it turns out we see bombs exploding on our waterways, it is not going to be really good for boaters, and it's not going to be really good for the boating business. We all have not only a stake as citizens but there's an economic business case for being involved in this partnership to manage the risk."

Chertoff said that programs like America's Waterway Watch, in which boaters report suspicious activities to the Coast Guard through a National Response Center, has resulted in some successes with criminals. "This is a program that works and we want to continue to make sure it is supported and grows," he said.

Chertoff also said that Homeland Security would compile and share information to identify potential threats. "A little more information allows us to target more precisely the people that we all ought to be worried about as opposed to taking a kind of a broad gauged, sweeping approach, which actually winds up inconveniencing more people," he said.

The CBP Pleasure Boat Reporting System, the Coast Guard's Vessel Identification System, and the Coast Guard's Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement would be used to identify possible threats. "Building and integrating this kind of information as well as other intelligence sources, information from the State Department, from foreign governments, and the use of trusted-traveler programs will give us a better picture of who is out there and allow us to be more focused on who we need to be concerned about," he said, adding that the Coast Guard might lower its tonnage rule for ships to include more commercial vessels and large yachts in a rule that requires 96-hour advance notice before entering US ports.

"The third area of our strategy is leveraging technology, because using technology gives us a real value add in our ability to identify, pursue and respond to threats," said Chertoff. "Again, we don't want to track every little boat out there on the waterways. But we do want to explore options with respect to surveillance and traffic, particularly in high-risk critical infrastructure areas. We're not looking to comprehensive, have big brother on sea, but we do need to start to look at some of the areas of risk to make sure we have a visibility to who's moving around in those areas."

Chertoff said that Homeland Security will expand "investment and research" into small-vehicle identification systems, but he avoided saying specifically that they would be installed on all boats.

The Coast Guard is also testing a pilot program in Washington state that detects radioactive or nuclear material on small vessels entering a port. "Vessels coming into the channel entering into a port area would pass by detection devices," said Chertoff. "They wouldn't have to stop. And those detection devices would be configured to determine whether or not there are radioactive admissions of a kind that are associated with a possible dirty bomb or nuclear device."

"Finally, we want to continue to enhance our coordination and communication among all of our partners," said Chertoff. "This means not only domestic partners, obviously but foreign partners as well. So, within our own department we are cross training between Customs, and Border Protection and Coast Guard so that we can leverage the capabilities of both components across each of them. To the extent we can, with respect to those foreign countries that operate adjacent to our water, we want do the same kind of partnering that will further leverage and increase our ability to have an umbrella of protection around our waterways."

The full DHS Small Vessel Security Strategy report can be viewed at http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1199394950818.shtm

(2 May 2008)

Maritime Vital Asset Protection, LLC

As a relatively new security company (LLC), we provide security consultation and training for vessel owners, captains and crewmembers.

Services offered:

• Security Assessments. The first step in determining the needs of the client, we evaluate the risk and threat based upon where the vessel is primarily berthed, the waters frequently visited and ports of call the vessel intends to make. We draw upon a vast amount of resources worldwide to ensure an accurate assessment is made.
• Security Plans. The next step in the protection of the vessel and personnel. As the USCG/US Govt are becoming stricter in the security requirements being leveled at recreational boaters, we provide security plans based upon MTSA 33 and ISPS Code guidelines currently in effect for larger, commercial vessels. In addition, we take steps to ensure that the measures needed detract as little as possible to the enjoyment of the vessels intended purpose - recreation.
• Security Training. We provide training in and recommendation of various security devices, determined necessary during the assessment and plan. We do not endorse specific manufacturer's nor install alarms - we will point to solutions and advise the owner/captain the options available.
• Anti-theft and Anti-piracy Measures. We provide classroom and practical training evolutions, based on the assessment and on the captain/owners request. We will provide discrete security personnel as requested to augment the vessel and crew, if necessary.
• SCUBA Training. We provide PADI instruction in Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue, Divemaster and selected specialty courses. We can also provide limited underwater services.
• Emergency first Response (EFR) Training. We provide EFR training, to include CPR and AED training.
• Unarmed and Armed Self-protection Training. Based upon extensive martial arts and Special Operations background, we provide courses that are tailored to the needs of the client. We can also recommend additional training courses for further education that may be out of the realm of expertise of the staff.
  

For more information, see my other blog at http://yachtsecure.wordpress.com/.

Maritime Vital Asset Protection

My company, Maritime Vital Asset Protection, LLC, is based in Tampa Florida.
We will provide security consultation and training in all aspects of the maritime domain, specializing in the 100' and smaller vessels, owners and crews.
We also provide SCUBA training (PADI), First Aid, Self Defense training, and more.
Drop me a line if you would like to know more about our services.