I finally got around to attending a 2 day Target Focus Training seminar last weekend in Dallas.
Had a great time, met some great people.
The training methodology (go slow, no, go slower) works very well on a number of different levels - the emphasis on targeting (hence the name) is probably the unique feature of TFT - others talk of targeting, we actually do it.
I recommend attending a TFT seminar if you can get the chance (or make the chance) - it will enhance any martial art you currently practice.
If you are interested in learning more, check out my website they have created for me - www.tftdirect.com/yachtsecurity.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Three News Items - Feb 09 - Piracy, Rio Dulce, Guadelupe
Here are three news items I came across -
http://www.yachtpals.com/pirates-yachts-4092
"Pirate Attacks on Sailing Yachts - Piracy Warnings"
Selected quote - "The purpose of this is not to frighten people. The fact is that being attacked on a private yacht is relatively rare in most areas of the world. However, there are certain hotspots where it is best to be on guard, and some which should be avoided. You'll notice below that many places are on the warning list, even though there were no reported attacks against yachts. These areas have been identified either because local criminal activity, or piracy against other vessels are taken as evidence of a potential risk to yachts. Though nothing is officially reported, the issue in many of these places is that "piracy against a yacht" simply doesn't exist as a legal definition."
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/val/R2009-02-20-1/view
"Rio Dulce: heading for safer waters"
Comment: Great to see local level actions helping other people.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1150062/Britons-flee-French-island-Guadeloupe-rioters-turn-white-families.html
Comment: Read the news reports before venturing off into the world. The better informed you are, the better you can prepare and protect yourselves.
http://www.yachtpals.com/pirates-yachts-4092
"Pirate Attacks on Sailing Yachts - Piracy Warnings"
Selected quote - "The purpose of this is not to frighten people. The fact is that being attacked on a private yacht is relatively rare in most areas of the world. However, there are certain hotspots where it is best to be on guard, and some which should be avoided. You'll notice below that many places are on the warning list, even though there were no reported attacks against yachts. These areas have been identified either because local criminal activity, or piracy against other vessels are taken as evidence of a potential risk to yachts. Though nothing is officially reported, the issue in many of these places is that "piracy against a yacht" simply doesn't exist as a legal definition."
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/val/R2009-02-20-1/view
"Rio Dulce: heading for safer waters"
Comment: Great to see local level actions helping other people.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1150062/Britons-flee-French-island-Guadeloupe-rioters-turn-white-families.html
Comment: Read the news reports before venturing off into the world. The better informed you are, the better you can prepare and protect yourselves.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
News article from August 2008 and Boating Magazine article
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/article781597.ece
Thieves target pricey boats on Florida's west coast
And in Boating magazine March 2009 issue, on pages 12 and 70, are two articles on boat theft occurring in Florida. A recommended read.
Thieves target pricey boats on Florida's west coast
And in Boating magazine March 2009 issue, on pages 12 and 70, are two articles on boat theft occurring in Florida. A recommended read.
Monday, February 9, 2009
From India - aftermath of the attacks
http://www.giirayachts.com/2009/02/coastal-security-puts-the-brakes-on-the-potential-of-boating-in-india.html
Two Quotes of interest.
Sujay Chohan, Director, Mumbai International Boat Show gets candid about the upcoming MIBS ’09 being a ‘trimmed back and somewhat subdued’ affair. The fact that the Boat Show is happening at all is incredible, he says, referring to the terror attacks and the global financial meltdown. As Chohan explains: ‘Because the terrorist group came via the sea route from Pakistan, there was a knee-jerk reaction by the government and police and there’s now a 6pm curfew on boats which have to be moored by sundown. If they’re not, Police have powers to intercept them.’
and
‘All boats under 15 tons must be registered with the police and authorities. It is certainly impacting on people’s interest in boating and will take some lobbying from the boating community. The same thing happened in New York after September 11, until the super-yacht fraternity intervened and pointed out that it was impeding tourism revenue.’
Please read the whole article. I found it informative and actually optimistic.
Two Quotes of interest.
Sujay Chohan, Director, Mumbai International Boat Show gets candid about the upcoming MIBS ’09 being a ‘trimmed back and somewhat subdued’ affair. The fact that the Boat Show is happening at all is incredible, he says, referring to the terror attacks and the global financial meltdown. As Chohan explains: ‘Because the terrorist group came via the sea route from Pakistan, there was a knee-jerk reaction by the government and police and there’s now a 6pm curfew on boats which have to be moored by sundown. If they’re not, Police have powers to intercept them.’
and
‘All boats under 15 tons must be registered with the police and authorities. It is certainly impacting on people’s interest in boating and will take some lobbying from the boating community. The same thing happened in New York after September 11, until the super-yacht fraternity intervened and pointed out that it was impeding tourism revenue.’
Please read the whole article. I found it informative and actually optimistic.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Yacht chef kidnapped and murdered
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20090105160014ibinews.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iL3Azk9OxlT5JN3IbHzKrIj1swDQD9652MAO0
This is getting more attention lately, attacks in the Caribbean. Is it really increasing, or are we just getting more media attention?
Regardless, be aware of your surroundings, always planning ahead for the worst and hoping for the best.
I feel as we move into even more dire economic times, we will see more violence directed to yachtsmen and cruisers in formerly "safe" waters.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iL3Azk9OxlT5JN3IbHzKrIj1swDQD9652MAO0
This is getting more attention lately, attacks in the Caribbean. Is it really increasing, or are we just getting more media attention?
Regardless, be aware of your surroundings, always planning ahead for the worst and hoping for the best.
I feel as we move into even more dire economic times, we will see more violence directed to yachtsmen and cruisers in formerly "safe" waters.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
6 Ways to Stay Safe Ashore
http://www.dockwalk.com/Essentials/HotTopics.aspx?id=21266
6 Ways to Stay Safe Ashore By Rubi McGrory
As the yachting world is still reeling after the killing of the captain in Antigua, it’s time to take a step back and look at how to increase our level of safety wherever we go ashore.
As professional travelers, we are guests wherever we go, even if it feels like we have the run of the place. In many areas, we create an enormous disparity in wealth simply by showing up in our multimillion-dollar recreational vessel. Many communities welcome yachties as bringing in capital, but some see our presence as mere exploitation.
The greatest weapon we have against violence is neither our fists nor our firearms, but our brains, and it is imperative that we engage them. Here are six tips for staying safer in port:
1. Although we may have come a long way toward equality, ladies, the fact that we are targeted for crime has not changed. Many cultures view gender very differently than those from the western world, and do not take kindly towards western women’s attitudes. Remember the buddy system? Use it—preferably with a male.
2. Even if it simply involves taking out the trash in the marina after dinner, don’t go alone (there is probably a foolish crewmember who will gladly escape to sneak a smoke). If you are provisioning in a new place or one where you don’t speak the language, insist that your captain send another crewmember with you, even if take a taxi.
3. When going out at night, ditch the handbag or backpack. I know this is difficult, but after a few drinks, you are making yourself and that beautiful Prada clutch nothing more than a target. Plus, what do you really need other than a small amount of cash and an ID?
4. Fitness junkies of either gender, you aren’t as immune as you think. It isn’t just you, your iPod and the open road; a crafty perp could be following you. What about that sunrise yoga session on the beach? After two days in the same secluded (or so you thought) spot, you have established a routine, and one which someone may try to exploit.
5. Capt. W asserts, “The best intentions are clouded by alcohol.” He warns of predators lurking in bars, nightclubs and parking lots laying in wait for unsuspecting yacht crew to make a bad day-off decision. “I had two crew members who insisted on being paid in cash. They carried that money along with their camera in a backpack,” he said. “After a day at the beach, they stopped in for a few drinks at Sunset Beach Bar and left their backpack in the car. They didn’t notice until the next morning that it was gone, that they had no funds to show for the previous month’s very hard work. Sadly, a few smarts would have avoided the whole thing.”
6. ATMs are a common crime scene. If at all possible, don’t wait until 11 p.m. after a few drinks to withdraw your spending money. You may not always have the chance to get off the boat during the day to do your banking, but when you do, be aware of where you are and who might be around you.
You don’t need to be paranoid, but a little vigilance will go a long way in keeping yourself and your fellow crewmembers safe. Some bad situations, as we’ve been reminded recently, can’t be avoided, but as a community we can send out a message that we are smart and have each other’s back.
6 Ways to Stay Safe Ashore By Rubi McGrory
As the yachting world is still reeling after the killing of the captain in Antigua, it’s time to take a step back and look at how to increase our level of safety wherever we go ashore.
As professional travelers, we are guests wherever we go, even if it feels like we have the run of the place. In many areas, we create an enormous disparity in wealth simply by showing up in our multimillion-dollar recreational vessel. Many communities welcome yachties as bringing in capital, but some see our presence as mere exploitation.
The greatest weapon we have against violence is neither our fists nor our firearms, but our brains, and it is imperative that we engage them. Here are six tips for staying safer in port:
1. Although we may have come a long way toward equality, ladies, the fact that we are targeted for crime has not changed. Many cultures view gender very differently than those from the western world, and do not take kindly towards western women’s attitudes. Remember the buddy system? Use it—preferably with a male.
2. Even if it simply involves taking out the trash in the marina after dinner, don’t go alone (there is probably a foolish crewmember who will gladly escape to sneak a smoke). If you are provisioning in a new place or one where you don’t speak the language, insist that your captain send another crewmember with you, even if take a taxi.
3. When going out at night, ditch the handbag or backpack. I know this is difficult, but after a few drinks, you are making yourself and that beautiful Prada clutch nothing more than a target. Plus, what do you really need other than a small amount of cash and an ID?
4. Fitness junkies of either gender, you aren’t as immune as you think. It isn’t just you, your iPod and the open road; a crafty perp could be following you. What about that sunrise yoga session on the beach? After two days in the same secluded (or so you thought) spot, you have established a routine, and one which someone may try to exploit.
5. Capt. W asserts, “The best intentions are clouded by alcohol.” He warns of predators lurking in bars, nightclubs and parking lots laying in wait for unsuspecting yacht crew to make a bad day-off decision. “I had two crew members who insisted on being paid in cash. They carried that money along with their camera in a backpack,” he said. “After a day at the beach, they stopped in for a few drinks at Sunset Beach Bar and left their backpack in the car. They didn’t notice until the next morning that it was gone, that they had no funds to show for the previous month’s very hard work. Sadly, a few smarts would have avoided the whole thing.”
6. ATMs are a common crime scene. If at all possible, don’t wait until 11 p.m. after a few drinks to withdraw your spending money. You may not always have the chance to get off the boat during the day to do your banking, but when you do, be aware of where you are and who might be around you.
You don’t need to be paranoid, but a little vigilance will go a long way in keeping yourself and your fellow crewmembers safe. Some bad situations, as we’ve been reminded recently, can’t be avoided, but as a community we can send out a message that we are smart and have each other’s back.
Our Newest Authorized Dealer!
http://www.marineguardsecurity.com/index.html
Marine Guard Yacht Security Welcomes Our Newest Authorized Dealer!
Don Weiss Jr.
Maritime Vital Asset Protection, LLC
Riverview -Tampa Florida Region
813-841-3898
Paradox Marine Receives US Coast Guard Medal
Paradox Marine Receives US Coast Guard Medal For Help With Stolen Boat Recovery
Nav-Tracker 2.0 Located Stolen Boat In The Bahamas, Recovered By Coast Guard 12 Hours Later
Nav-Tracker 2.0 Located Stolen Boat In The Bahamas, Recovered By Coast Guard 12 Hours Later
From IBI News: Superyacht crew mugged in USVI
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20090103144537ibinews.html
Superyacht crew mugged in USVI
By IBI Magazine/Michael Howorth
One of several superyachts that sailed out from Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, spooked by the murder of Drew Gollan, has reportedly been the subject of an attack and robbery in the USVI. Crew from Alfa Nero were going ashore in St Thomas and were mugged. Early reports suggest that one of them has been injured and hospitalised.
IBI has now heard this story from two different sources and will try to obtain more as the day progresses. One captain has stated: "Whilst such news may generate a wry smile from those in Antigua who told you so, one can not help but feel that the modern world has arrived in the Caribbean with all its attendant problems and that if the area is to benefit from the superyacht business then the islands need to look into ways in which the crews who work on them are better protected."
(3 February 2009)
Comment: Please be aware of your surroundings. Awareness is probably the key in all security matters. If you must, appoint one person to be the safe/sober one, much like a designated driver. By all means, go out, have a good time; but be aware without turning paranoid.
Superyacht crew mugged in USVI
By IBI Magazine/Michael Howorth
One of several superyachts that sailed out from Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, spooked by the murder of Drew Gollan, has reportedly been the subject of an attack and robbery in the USVI. Crew from Alfa Nero were going ashore in St Thomas and were mugged. Early reports suggest that one of them has been injured and hospitalised.
IBI has now heard this story from two different sources and will try to obtain more as the day progresses. One captain has stated: "Whilst such news may generate a wry smile from those in Antigua who told you so, one can not help but feel that the modern world has arrived in the Caribbean with all its attendant problems and that if the area is to benefit from the superyacht business then the islands need to look into ways in which the crews who work on them are better protected."
(3 February 2009)
Comment: Please be aware of your surroundings. Awareness is probably the key in all security matters. If you must, appoint one person to be the safe/sober one, much like a designated driver. By all means, go out, have a good time; but be aware without turning paranoid.
Monday, February 2, 2009
US seamen are being trained to fend off pirates
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D963KOSG0&show_article=1
A couple of quotes applicable to the recreational/civilian side of the boating community.
"If I've done anything, I've shown them that this isn't a joke, it's not about parrots and eye patches and Blackbeard and all that," Nincic said. "It's very real and it's a problem without an easy solution."
And the following:
" In the old days, ships were armed with cannons to guard against pirates. But nowadays, crew members for the most part do not carry guns. And maritime instructors say that arming crews is not the answer.
It is illegal for crews to carry weapons in the territorial waters of many nations, and ship captains are wary of arming crew members for fear of mutinies, Nincic said. Also, some worry that arming crew members would only cause the violence to escalate.
Instead, the best defense is vigilance, Nincic tells students.
"If you demonstrate a culture of awareness, that you look like you know you're in pirate waters and are clearly standing watch, patrolling, etc., the pirates know you're going to be more difficult to board and are possibly going to wait for the next ship and board the one that's easier," she said. "
A couple of quotes applicable to the recreational/civilian side of the boating community.
"If I've done anything, I've shown them that this isn't a joke, it's not about parrots and eye patches and Blackbeard and all that," Nincic said. "It's very real and it's a problem without an easy solution."
And the following:
" In the old days, ships were armed with cannons to guard against pirates. But nowadays, crew members for the most part do not carry guns. And maritime instructors say that arming crews is not the answer.
It is illegal for crews to carry weapons in the territorial waters of many nations, and ship captains are wary of arming crew members for fear of mutinies, Nincic said. Also, some worry that arming crew members would only cause the violence to escalate.
Instead, the best defense is vigilance, Nincic tells students.
"If you demonstrate a culture of awareness, that you look like you know you're in pirate waters and are clearly standing watch, patrolling, etc., the pirates know you're going to be more difficult to board and are possibly going to wait for the next ship and board the one that's easier," she said. "
Latest Antigua Update - 02 Feb 2009
Man charged with murder of skipper in Antigua By Yachting World/David Glenn
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20090102083428ibinews.html
Police in Antigua have charged a 21-year-old with the murder of Drew Gollan, the 38-year-old Australian skipper of the Perini Navi ketch Perseus, who was shot dead outside the Gallery Bar last week.
The following statement was issued by the police:
On 30 January, 2009, a 21 year resident of Potters, Sylvester Lindsey, was arrested and charged for the murder of Drew Joseph Gollan of Australia which occurred in English Harbour on the 22nd January, 2009. The individual will be brought before the Court on Monday for the homicide. A .32 calibre pistol has been seized which we believe was involved in the offence.
Three other persons were detained in relation to the murder. Investigation is continuing and we will further advise if more charges are to be laid.
The success of the investigation was due to a team effort between the police and public. The Homicide and Intelligence Units of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda with the assistance of Crime Stoppers, the media and the general public pulled together to help solve the case. Numerous tips were received and members of the public have come forward to assist the police.
(2 February 2009)
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20090102083428ibinews.html
Police in Antigua have charged a 21-year-old with the murder of Drew Gollan, the 38-year-old Australian skipper of the Perini Navi ketch Perseus, who was shot dead outside the Gallery Bar last week.
The following statement was issued by the police:
On 30 January, 2009, a 21 year resident of Potters, Sylvester Lindsey, was arrested and charged for the murder of Drew Joseph Gollan of Australia which occurred in English Harbour on the 22nd January, 2009. The individual will be brought before the Court on Monday for the homicide. A .32 calibre pistol has been seized which we believe was involved in the offence.
Three other persons were detained in relation to the murder. Investigation is continuing and we will further advise if more charges are to be laid.
The success of the investigation was due to a team effort between the police and public. The Homicide and Intelligence Units of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda with the assistance of Crime Stoppers, the media and the general public pulled together to help solve the case. Numerous tips were received and members of the public have come forward to assist the police.
(2 February 2009)
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