Boardings in Panama

From Cruisers_Network_Online, come some reports of boardings 'in and around the Linton and Isla Grande anchorages.'in/near Panama. Appears the thieves were after gas and gas cans, so of this report.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cruisers_Network_Online/

Piracy in Colombia

Here's an account of an attack near Cartagena.

http://karaka.site.voila.fr/

Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Christmas fun

Christmas Self Defense


http://www.ikigaiway.com/2009/christmas-self-defense/

Thanks for the laughter.

I would have added (after each incident) - Tase the perpetrator with your new Christmas Taser Santa brought you.

It would lighten my holidays for sure.

Maybe you can hide the Taser in your new 'Battle Scarf' (http://www.battlescarf.com/).

Paradox Marine Press Release

Paradox Marine Nav-Tracker GPS Tracking System
To Track Progress of 2010 World ARC Rally Boat Liza
http://www.homeportmarine.com/marcom/paradoxnews.html

If you'd like more information about their products, drop me a line. The Boat Nanny is a fine product for smaller vessels, and portable.

Surviving Disaster

Here is a link I cam across today. Not exactly a 'yacht security' link, but a cool link, nonetheless.

http://www.spike.com/show/33200?tabId=33737&fxn=getTabMembers - Surviving Disaster. Great job (by a former SEAL). Haven't reviewed all of them yet....

Website change

We have changed the pamcom sites to www.mwsecuritygadgets.com and www.mwsecuritycameras.com.

New look, same great products. Now would be a great time to get a Taser for the last minute Christmas stocking stuffer.



Or how about a nice security camera to show your loved ones you care?

Dec 12 Links - A variety for you

This from Dockwalk (http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/News.aspx?id=30442) - Caribbean Crime.

And as follow-ups to the article, A Life of Giving Ann Wallis-White Makes a Huge Difference with Caribbean Kids (http://www.allatsea.net/article/October_2009/A_Life_of_Giving_Ann_Wallis-White_Makes_a_Huge_Difference_with_Caribbean_Kids) and http://www.crimestoppersantigua.com/.

Perhaps it is time to put the guns and more traditional security ideas aside for a few hours (always having someone on watch, though) - and practice a bit of hearts and minds, expand our network of friends and acquaintances. Just a thought.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and don't forget basic crime awareness while enjoying the season.

Furuno & FLIR vs the pirates, IRIS

From Panbo - http://www.panbo.com/archives/2009/12/furuno_flir_vs_the_pirates_iris.html
Probably a bit much for the average cruiser, but use the concept of redundancy and more than one sensor type. Makes sense to me.

Cartagena, Colombia: Yacht Attacked

Cartagena, Colombia: Yacht Attacked - Thankfully, no injuries reported.
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-12-03-3/view

It was also reported on the Yahoo Group - Cruisers_Network_Online - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cruisers_Network_Online/message/1102 - with a bit more information.
(The graphic isn't connected to the incident. I just like it.)
Stay safe out there.

News articles of note - 2 Dec 09

First - good news - Iran has released the 5 sailors held.
Iran frees five detained British yachtsmen
http://tinyurl.com/y8cbw6m ( my first attempt with tinyURL - let me know if it works)

News from the justice side of things - Noonsite reports that the 3 pirates who killed a British man off the Andaman Coast have been sentenced to 25 years each in Thai prison.
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-12-01-2/view

Information Sharing

Always on the lookout for new information to share, here is a site that may be useful.
Open Source Intelligence For Armchair Admirals
http://blog.usni.org/?p=5178

Paradox Marine in the news

A press release for a great company. Always helpful to me in my (still) fledgling days of business.
http://www.homeportmarine.com/marcom/paradoxnews.html

If you are in the Tampa Bay area (or anywhere else, really) and would like to know more ab out them, drop me a line.

Iran holds yacht with 5 UK nationals

Iran holds yacht with 5 UK nationals -
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091130/D9CA26680.html
and here -
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1232158/Five-sailors-taken-hostage-Iran.html

Awareness on land as well as at sea

Keep an awareness on land as well as at sea.

St. Lucia, Marigot Bay - Cruisers Robbed in Street
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-11-28-1/view

French Yacht Adriano seized in Kochi by CISF

Sometimes it can seem the good guys (State Customs/Law Enforcement) can be the bad guys when they are doing their jobs. All worked out here, happily.
http://www.giirayachts.com/2009/11/french-yacht-adriano-seized-in-kochi-by-cisf.html

Maritime Mobile Nets

An idea highly recommended (probably number one recommendation) is keeping situational awareness, knowing what is going on around you.

One method is to tune in to the regular broadcasts of fellow sailors in the area.

Here are a couple of sites to start your research.

An intro - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_mobile_amateur_radio

"Maritime Mobile" Radio Nets For Cruisers - http://www.cruiser.co.za/radionet.asp

Maya Paradise's HF Frequencies for Boaters - http://www.mayaparadise.com/mmfreq1.htm

Radio Nets - http://www.71421.net/IK4HAQ/Radio_Nets.html

Updates on the 'Lynn Rival' and an article on IO and Red Sea Passage

Passage from Indian Ocean via Red Sea to Europe - Extremely Unsafe
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-11-20-2/view


Kidnapped British couple "ill"
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20091019150330ibinews.html

Pirate Video of Sailors at Gunpoint
http://www.yachtpals.com/pirate-chandler-7071

A couple of commercial anti-piracy articles

While I disagree with the main gist of the article (I feel the vessels have a right to be armed for protection), it is well thought out and worth reading.

http://piratebook.blogspot.com/2009/11/escalation-of-weaponry-off-horn-of.html


Here is the article mentioned in the piece - http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/anti-pirate-weapons-piracy-somalia/ and another here - http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/10-more-anti-piracy-weapons-for-use-in-somalia/

Big Post Monday

Fighting the Pirates by Remote Control - http://www.yachtpals.com/pirates-seychelles-7068 - note the piece at the bottom of the article.

ONI On Piracy - http://www.eaglespeak.us/2009/11/oni-on-piracy.html

Guidance on Compliance with ITAR - http://marinelink.com/News/Article/Guidance-on-Compliance-with-ITAR/332504.aspx - and here is the advisory (link to pdf) - http://homeport.uscg.mil/cgi-bin/st/portal/uscg_docs/MyCG/Editorial/20091110/Port%20Security%20Advisory%204-09%20(rev%202)%20Final%20(2).pdf?id=e3887a50418cc9c9cb2948f191781aa632fc7c3c

For more reading, visit the homepage at http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/programView.do?channelId=-18389&programId=63715&programPage=%2Fep%2Fprogram%2Feditorial.jsp&pageTypeId=13489

New SSB net for SE Asia, N.Indian Ocean & Red Sea

This in from Noonsite.com
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-11-12-1

I definitely recommend this type of activity. Basically a grassroot effort to keep information flowing, not just security issues, but across the whole spectrum of activities.

Towing Issues

In the continued belief that protecting your vital asset is not just defense against armed thugs, here is an article on how to protect yourself against unscrupulous tow operators. Not an everyday occurrence, but worth reading about.

http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2009/11/when-is-towing-boat-not-towing-boat.html

Noonsite: St. Vincent, Chateaubelair, Assault and Robbery

Caribbean: St. Vincent, Chateaubelair, Assault and Robbery
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-11-05-1/view

More details when the become available. Please do not let the media attention on Somalia distract you from the area you are cruising in.

Noonsite articles for 02 Nov....

An update on the British couple taken by Somali pirates - http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-11-02-4/view - seems the pirates realize they are not the source of unimaginable wealth as first thought.
Off Nicaragua, a 47' sailing yacht was boarded - http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-11-02-2/view.
Somewhere the lawyers are developing the legal definitions between pirates, thieves, misunderstood fishermen, local rights activists, etc. Bottom line, asshats with guns and bad intentions are out there - denying otherwise can lead to a rude (and deadly) realization. Take care of yourselves while cruising - enjoy but be aware.

I just finished reading 'Meditation on Violence' by Rory Miller.
Highly recommended reading for self-defense/security minded folks.
A few quotes from the book.
From the preface - Never, ever, ever delegate responsibility for your own safety. Never, ever, ever, override your own experience and common sense on the say-so of some self-proclaimed 'expert'.
Never, ever, ever ignore what your eyes see because it isn't what you imagined.

And later - In general, respond to the situation as it is. Not to your fantasy and not to your paranoia.

Taser clip

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/fight-science/3049/Overview#tab-Videos/03296_09





Visit my other sites to order yours today.

New websites...

The pamcom websites will shortly have a new name - we are finally changing them just a bit, now that we are kinda getting used to this internet/web-based business idea. Will inform you as soon as it is a done deal. Thanks to all who have stopped by.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from yachtsecurity's posterous

New website coming soon..

The pamcom websites will shortly have a new name - we are finally changing them just a bit, now that we are kinda getting used to this internet/web-based business idea. Will inform you as soon as it is a done deal. Thanks to all who have stopped by.

Drowning - a good article

In keeping with the general them of Maritime Vital Asset Protection - here is something that may be helpful. It is not self-defense in the traditional sense, but it is definitely in the self-preservation and preservation for friends/relatives category.


Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning
http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/drowning/

Update on the Lynn Rival

Latest news - praying for their safe release.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091029/ap_on_re_af/piracy

Lynn Rival news

Apparently, the Lynn Rival has been taken by pirates.

Pirates seize British yacht
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20090927144712ibinews.html
Somali pirates grab a yacht, 2Brits
http://www.eaglespeak.us/2009/10/somali-pirates-grab-yacht-2-brits.html

Wishing them a safe and speedy return.

'Meditations on Violence' comments

I just finished reading 'Meditation on Violence' by Rory Miller.
Highly recommended reading for self-defense/security minded folks.
A few quotes from the book.
From the preface - Never, ever, ever delegate responsibility for your own safety. Never, ever, ever, override your own experience and common sense on the say-so of some self-proclaimed 'expert'.
Never, ever, ever ignore what your eyes see because it isn't what you imagined.

And later - In general, respond to the situation as it is. Not to your fantasy and not to your paranoia.

I will be reading this book again, taking more time to digest the lessons he imparts.

Dockwalk online and October issue

Some interesting articles int he October issue of Dockwalk - go to www.dockwalk.com, sign up and you'll have access to the latest issue.

Also in Dockwalk are members blogs - Peter Boulton has posted about card theft in the Mediterranean. A good read, and I enjoy his other posts, too.

Ft Lauderdale trip update

Had dinner with Joel M and a great conversation.
Next day had a very good conversation with the folks at Paradox Marine about the yacht security business.

Posted via email from yachtsecurity's posterous

Lats and Atts magazine

Go on over to the folks at Latitudes and Attitudes - http://www.seafaring.com/ - some great articles in the Nov 2009 issue.



For starters (of interest to me) - a letter about an attack in Dominica (pg 42), a pitch about the Aqualink PLB and the Iridium 9555 sat phone (pgs. 48 & 49), choosing a weather window (pg 60), inspecting your lifeline (pg 70) and 1st Aid for cruisers (pg 78).

As protection involves more than fists, guns and alarm systems, these should be interesting readers for followers of this blog. Love to hear from any of you readers out there.

Cruising World Articles

The October 2009 issue has two articles on security - 'A Close Call With Pirates' and 'Several Ounces of Prevention' - also available at http://www.cruisingworld.com/.

Handheld FLIR

For those unable (or unwilling) to utilize a mounted FLIR, this is ideal. Plus, you can take it with you on your tender/dinghy.



http://www.panbo.com/archives/2009/10/flir_first_mate_thermal_in_your_hand.html

Suggestions on Securing Your Tender

This from the folks over at Noonsite - a great resource for cruisers and recreational boaters.

Suggestions on Securing Your Tender
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/val/R2009-09-06-1/view

Great ideas

Here is a great view of self-defense - from a conceptual standpoint. Consider the use of deception and operational security to your advantage, also.

Survival Tactics in Nature
http://mail.myptsmail.com/mercop/blog/?p=422

Article on pirates

An interesting article, from the New Yorker.

http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2009/09/07/090907crbo_books_crain

Houseboat Security Systems

An article from www.all-about-houseboats.com touched upon the use of security systems.

http://www.all-about-houseboats.com/houseboat-security-safety-alarm-systems-remotely-use-surveillance-to-protect-house-boats.html







A security system is part of an overall plan to protect you and your vessel. Many can be integrated to also monitor bilge water levels, high temperatures and other systems on your boat. Contact me for more information to determine the correct system for you.

Re-post of Maritime Vital Asset Protection mission goals

Re-posted from Friday, April 25, 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.

Two items for late Aug 09

In the Saturday, 16 Aug 2009 edition of the the Key West Keynoter (local newspaper), there is an article on the the rise in motor thefts - the gist being boaters are setting up 'neighborhood watch' type programs and looking out for each other. A good thing.

The second item is in the July 2009 issue of Yachts International, page 129 - there is a good article on security and some of the products available. For more information, drop me a line.

Travel Common Sense

Here is a link to a fairly well written article. It points out that you the traveler need to evaluate the situation and make the decisions for yourself. Don't rely solely on the 'experts' advice.


Traveling with Terror
http://www.undercurrent.org/blog/2009/08/13/dive-travel-and-terrorists/

TASER Issues

This from the Taser Blog - http://blog.taser.com/2009/08/the-taser-worked/.

The Taser is not a magic weapon. Use it as intended - to temporarily incapacitate an attacker. Then use other means to control the situation (further strikes, better cover position for firearms usage, etc.) or to move to another location (get off the X).

If interested, visit http://www.pamcompersonalsecurity.com/ and buy one (or more).

Attacks on land

Attack on Tobago -
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1204029/British-couple-hacked-knife-wielding-robber-Caribbean-resort-island.html

Just posting to remind you to be vigilant - even in places that seem like 'paradise'.

Follow up to Pirates in the Amazon

Of interest is the comment about the under-reporting of incidents - is this common?

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-07-30-1/view
As reported by Sail-World.com

Pirates strike on the Amazon
Wed, 29 Jul 2009

When New Zealand's revered Sir Peter Blake was killed by pirates in 2001 on the Amazon River, it was thought to be a one-off experience, but yachts thinking of venturing up the Amazon River should be aware that a tourist vessel has been raided by pirates and the passengers robbed this week on the Amazon River.

Aqua Expeditions, river boat expedition operators, who run luxury tours on the Amazon, have announced that the MV Aqua, its Amazon river cruise ship, was boarded this week by six armed bandits who robbed passengers of money and valuables.

There were 24 passengers and 21 crew members onboard at the time of the incident. The incident lasted less than an hour and nobody was hurt.

Aqua Expeditions is a Peruvian company, and the Peru Minister of Tourism Martin Perez has since said the government has launched an investigation into the incident. "My first priority is to ensure that safety measures are immediately set in place to ensure this cannot ever happen again," Perez said in a statement.

The remoteness of the Amazon means that other attacks may have been under-reported, if they were on local vessels.

Other reports have indicated that there are armed pirates operating on the river, who are better equipped than the police and sometimes pose as police to dupe their victims.

Update for 29 July 2009

A few varied posts for you today...

1) From one of my 'competitors' up the road, a good reminder for us all.
Updating Your Vessel Security Plan By Jason Knowles, President, Hard Target Security Group
http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/HotTopics.aspx?id=25896

2) Dryden attackers sentenced to 60 years (Rio Dulce news)
http://riodulcechisme.com/

3) Pirates in other places than Somalia
Pirates of the Amazon - River Pirates
http://www.eaglespeak.us/2009/07/pirates-of-amazon-river-pirates.html

4) Good post on knife fighting
http://realfighting.tumblr.com/post/150320206/is-your-knife-training-realistic

Kind of a hodge-podge of posts today - been pretty busy lately.

Piracy Is a Real Threat for Some Vessels. Know How to Respond Before You Sail.

http://www.madmariner.com/voyages/cruising/story/PIRATE_ATTACKS_ON_YACHTS_072009_YC?page=0%2C0

Overall, a good article. Some of the advice I disagree with - every situation will call upon the mariner to make his own choices. If it is piracy directed towards a commercial vessel - going along with the pirates may be a good thing (motivation is the cargo/vessel, not a personal issue). If it is the theft of your personal vessel and its belongings - going along with the criminals may not be the best move (it is a personal issue, not a business decision).

Good news from Dominica

Recent Yacht Attacks in Dominica - Offenders Caught

Referrer Page: http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-05-25-1
Subject: Recent Attacks on yachts in Dominica
Message:
With regard to the recent attack on yachts in Dominica, I am happy to say I have heard from Cabrits Dive that the two main offenders have been caught tried and sent to jail for 2 years for that crime and then 6 years for a later similar crime. The third offender (the youngest one) is still on the run, and not likely to be much of a problem.
Congratulations to the Dominica Police Force!

Semi-good news from Aden

Formerly hi-jacked Yacht-Sailors arrive safely in Yemen -
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-07-21-3/view

A reminder not all the people in these areas are pirates and thieves. The minority seems to get all the press.

New Security product - PulseCode™ Security System

The PulseCode™ Security System seems to be a great idea for the mariner. Please check out the link below for more information. Panbo Electronics review initially brought it to my attention.

http://www.esealock.com/index.html

Maritime Security Jobs Site

Just came across this. For all out there interested, take a look. Most of the jobs are government or cruise lines, let's see how this develops.

http://www.maritimeterrorism.com/2009/07/14/latest-maritime-security-jobs/

Maritime Crime Article

Here is an article by Dockwalk that I feel is right on the money. Too many reasons not to report the little things.....

High Crimes on the High Seas
http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/HotTopics.aspx?id=25636

Pay attention to intelligence (where are we going?) and awareness (Is that boat fishing or waiting for something?) and you will go a long way towards preparing / defending yourself.

Latest edition of Latitudes and Attitudes magazine

Two articles of interest (purely from the view of this blog. All the articles are great to read).

One on page 44, regarding the use of inserts in flare pistols.

And on on page 70 about a failed attack off Venezuela, last April.

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

Italian Yacht Robbed

From the folks at Noonsite:

Italian Yacht Robbed and Stolen at Sea leaving crew behind

Created by sue. Last modified on 2009-06-20 14:26:03
Topic: Piracy Reports 2009
Countries: Italy

This full news story in Italian can be found on the ANSA (Italian News Agency) website. http://www.ansa.it/site/notizie/awnplus/english/english.html - sorry I don't have the exact page yet.

Area: Italy, Naple's Bay, near Posillipo
Date: June 18th, 2009, 9pm

Three people aboard a fast launch rammed a 42 foot motor boat with two people on board. They boarded the boat and robbed the owner and his friend, then made them put on lifejackets before throwing them overboard and stealing the boat, disappearing into the dusk.

The two victims, who were saved after a while, suffered mild hypothermia.

The Police and Carabinieri continue their investigations.

Our thanks to Paolo Nobile for sending us this report.

Good news from Phuket

Breaking News: Singlehanded Sailor Akio Yonago is Safe!
http://www.yachtpals.com/akio-yonago-4155

Many of us feared the worst. And I am relieved it has worked out well.

'Paying the Pirate's Price' article

http://www.reason.com/news/show/133860.html

Brings up some good reasoning. In our headlong dash to have government "solve" all our problems, what is wrong with taking care of things on the lowest level possible?

Inferno System

There is interest among the commercial vessels, and amongst some of the yachts I have worked with, to utilize the Inferno system.

We (Maritime Vital Asset Protection and Phantom Services) have recommended them for our clients.

http://www.marineguardsecurity.com/2009.06.01_arch.html#1245254709430

A small cruiser.....

Thought yachtsmen would love the latest small craft out of Germany, coming soon to a marina near you.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1192640/Admiral-Abramovich-launches-300million-mega-yachtski-The-worlds-biggest-submarine.html

Noonsite - Update on Seychelles Piracy

Some good news for cruisers

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-06-09-6/view

Seychelles Update on Piracy

Created by sue. Last modified on 2009-06-09 20:26:40
Topic: Piracy Reports 2009
Countries: Seychelles

We are now back in the Seychelles and can give you an update on the piracy situation here.

The Somali pirates are no longer operating in Seychelles waters. One reason given is that the SE trade winds have now set in. Presumably the wind and swell makes it difficult for them to approach and board their victims. Another reason must be the presence of NATO warships. There were 3 in Port Victoria last week.

Yachts have been leaving the Seychelles for some time now, mostly heading east or south and reaching their destinations without any piracy problems. The authorities tell us that it is now safe to sail throughout Seychelles waters (including the outer islands) and to make passages out in all directions. Of course, the usual caution applies regarding the coast of Somalia and Gulf of Aden.

There are now very few foreign-flagged yachts in Port Victoria so there's plenty of room for a few more. Anyone coming should be aware that there have been a number of thefts in recent weeks, from yachts in the old port and anchorage on the north side of Eden island. Wallets and electronic equipment have been stolen, sometimes when the crew have been sleeping on board.

Rachel Chandler
S/Y Lynn Rival

Links for Sunday - Dockwalk and FeralJundi

Back from the hot and dusty places to the hot and humid places. Good to see all green things again....
From Dockwalk, here is an article about what can happen carrying weapons aboard.
http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/HotTopics.aspx?id=25058










And from one of my favorite blogs to follow, FeralJundi with a story from the commercial side of maritime security/piracy.
http://feraljundi.com/2009/06/04/maritime-security-inside-story-of-somali-pirate-attack/#more-806

Pirates Newsletter

We have hit the big time! A link in a cool newsletter.
Go here - http://www.cindyvallar.com/piratelinks.html - for a very in depth look at pirates, from olden times to now. Subscribe to the newsletter, enjoy the many links she has posted.
Tell her Don at yachtsecurity sent you. then drop me a comment letting me know what you think.

Update - Dominica and Guatemala

The day job took me to a hot and dusty place, back later next week.

Here's a Noonsite article on Dominica - Yacht Boarded, Crew Attacked and Robbed

http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-05-20-2

And here is a long two-parter on Guatemala - well worth the read
Part One - http://www.indigomoon.us/triplog/tr030.html
Part Two - http://www.indigomoon.us/index.html

As always, be safe and prepared.

Another site urging mariners to be aware

Found this on Modern Day Pirate Tales: Pretty much echoes my thoughts.

http://piratebook.blogspot.com/2009/05/pirate-threats-to-small-vessels-and.html
"This is just a modest reminder that anyone at sea can be a target, a victim. Supertankers, military vessels, container ships, fishing boats, passenger liners or pleasure boats - no one's immune to the threat...."

Also, his link to the yachtpals story - http://yachtpals.com/pirates-seychelles-4169

If you need assistance in developing safety and security plans, please contact us her at Maritime Vital Asset Protection.

LRADs

A great tool, probably a bit much for most cruising yachts.
Here is a write up from marinelink.com

http://marinelink.com/News/Article/LRAD-Assisting-in-Fight-Against-Piracy/330632.aspx

FLIR - a must have

FLIR is a must have for safety and security, if your vessel can support it. Integrate it into your night and low visibility navigation drills, and also to check out approaching vessels - it will give you a bit more safety margin for identification.
Thanks to the Panbo people for the fine articles.

http://www.panbo.com/archives/2009/05/thermal_imaging_coming_to_your_boat_eventually.html

Superstitions at Sea

In keeping with the tradition of using all means to secure and prvide safety for our vessels, here is the latest I have found:

Top 10 Superstitions at Sea
http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/deadliestcatch/hsw-top-10-sea-superstitions.html

May 09, 2009 Update

Been busy with the day job lately. here are some posts for you loyal readers (gotta be one or two out there).

In keeping with the mindset of protection and safety, here is a multi-purpose tool your yacht should have:
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20090406154641ibinews.html

Protection also entails keeping yourself and your vessel from legal hassles:
http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/HotTopics.aspx?id=24538

Education should play a part in your safety planning:
http://www.sandbarhopper.com/index.php

Enjoy the posts.

40,000 Lives Lost Per Year Must Be Worth It…

Here's a link to a pro-gun article.

http://www.ignatius-piazza-front-sight.com/2009/05/04/ignatius-piazza-40000-lives-lost-per-year-must-be-worth-it/

Try not to limit the tools you will use to protect yourself and your family.

Survey Monkey Post

Click Here to take survey

Just trying this out. Hope to hear from you.

SmartKEY RFID technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2009
Contact: Jay Keenan
1+954.565.9898 ext. 301
jay@paradoxmarine.com

Paradox Marine
SmartKey RFID Technology
Paradox Marine Introduces Nav-Tracker 2.0 SmartKEY
RFID technology allows automatic system arming and disarming

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (USA) – Boat security systems supplier Paradox Marine has enhanced its Nav-Tracker 2.0 wireless boat location and GPS tracking system with SmartKEY, which automatically disarms the system when the vessel operator boards the vessel and re-arms it when the operator disembarks.

SmartKEY uses RFID technology that allows for ‘no touch’ arming and disarming of the Nav-Tracker 2.0 system. There are no buttons to push or keys to turn. With a SmartKEY in range, Nav-Tracker 2.0 is disarmed. When a SmartKEY is out of range for more than 60 seconds or is turned off, the system will re-arm itself.

How SmartKEY Works
The Nav-Tracker 2.0 SmartKEY is comprised of a state-of-the-art wireless 2.4GHz Active RFID technology with a transmitter paired with a receiver packaged inside of the Nav-Tracker 2.0 control unit operating on a proprietary frequency. The SmartKEY transmits 10 data packs per second when turned on. When it is in range of the Nav-Tracker 2.0, the SmartKEY disarms the system, and it will remain disarmed until it stops receiving the data packets for more than 60 seconds. This provides an extremely high level of security by automatically arming and disarming the system when the operator arrives or leaves the vessel – there’s no more need to remember to arm or disarm the Nav-Tracker 2.0.

Paradox Marine Nav-Tracker

About Nav-Tracker 2.0
When a Nav-Tracker 2.0 transmitter is mounted discreetly on a boat, a wireless ‘fence’ with a 500-meter range is created. If a boat is moved outside of this fence, Nav-Tracker 2.0 uses Inmarsat based GPS satellite technology to monitor a boat’s location and notify up to four people by email and/or text message every 15 minutes with the latitude/longitude, speed, heading and distance to closest city.

As many as 27,000 boats are stolen annually and the odds of recovery are only about 1 in 10, according to the International Association of Marine Investigators. “Alarms and other deterrents are not enough. However, with a Nav-Tracker on board, if your boat is stolen, you’ll have a much better chance of getting it back,” said Jay Keenan, Paradox Marine President & CEO.

Some insurance companies now require GPS tracking devices to be installed on certain types of boats, including high performance boats and boats with triple high-horsepower outboards.

For more information about SmartKEY, Nav-Tracker 2.0 and other Paradox Marine boat security, monitoring, tracking and surveillance products, visit www.paradoxmarine.com or call 1+866.929.4442 (US) or 1+954.565.9898.