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