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.