A good 'Pirates' article

Pirates? And a busted head gasket…

Credit to the folks at gCaptain for this article.

And credit to the sailors who were out that night, for keeping level heads and dealing with the situation calmly.



Also posted a new article (link to an article) on my Yau Kung Mun blog.

Firearm Law Knowledge

In the October edition of The Triton, front page is a story of a yacht Captain arrested for possession of a handgun.

It pays to know the laws for weapons in the areas you are cruising. Here in the state of Florida, the book and website by Jon H. Gutmacher, Esq. (floridafirearmslaw.com) is a must read. He also provides references for many other parts of the country, and presents them in an easy to understand manner.

Seal - Superyachts

For any of the readers intending a voyage to SE Asia, stop by Seal-Superyachts. They have consolidated a lot of useful information onto their cruising guides pages. Useful for smaller yachts and sailing vessels, not just the 'super yacht' crowd.

Thanks go to to ADAM FROST of SEAL SUPERYACHTS (wwww.seal-superyachts.com) for allowing me to use their site as a resource.

Greyman site

Came across this site - Death Valley Mag - from the cursory glance tonite, it looks to have relevant information. The articles on being the 'Greyman' are in line with what we teach - lower your profile, blend in, be aware.

Tampa Bay Maritime Security

Tampa Bay Bodyguards

From the last post (a bit of levity), to a more serious subject - boat theft.

Over the last two months there have been at least three 38' - 52' yachts stolen in the Tampa Bay area - in addition to other reports of electronics and other equipment theft.

The thefts have occurred from private slips, residences, and other places people would think their property is safe.

As the economy is still waiting to recover (and the gap between the perceived 'haves' and 'have-nots' increases) - these events will occur more frequently.

Contact me here for more information on protecting your vessel. Or visit a new partner to Maritime Vital Asset Protection, Lionfish Protection & Investigation Group.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day

It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Avast....

New GOST Immobilizer Helps Prevent Theft of Trailerboats, Tenders, RIBs, PWC’s
See at NMEA 2010, September 29 – October 2

GOST Immobilizer

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (USA) – Global Ocean Security Technologies (GOST - formerly Paradox Marine) has introduced GOST Immobilizer, a start up prevention system for single-engine outboard boats, yacht tenders, RIBs and PWCs.

The device is controlled via a wireless key fob. When armed, the Immobilizer blocks high current draw from the battery while still allowing low power consumption components to function normally. When an engine startup is attempted, the Immobilizer sounds a timed siren and prevents the engine from turning over.

The Immobilizer installs easily and thanks to its hardened battery lug connection design, is difficult to compromise. “Immobilizer is the ideal solution for small craft and fills a significant void in this segment of the market. It will thwart the joy riders and island hoppers who need a quick transport from a tender when it is tied up at a transient dock,” said GOST Director of Research and Development Brian Kane.

For more information about GOST Immobilizer and other GOST products, visit www.gostglobal.com or call 1+954.565.9898.
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Global Ocean Security Technologies - 1200 NE 7th Avenue - Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304

Paradox Marine changes name to GOST

Paradox Marine Changes Name To Global Ocean Security Technologies (GOST)
New web site at www.gostglobal.com


FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (USA) – With a worldwide distribution network in place and steadily growing sales in US and international markets, boat security systems supplier Paradox Marine is changing its name and launching a new brand identity, Global Ocean Security Technologies (GOST).

“We believe our new name and brand identity is a better reflection of the scope of our growing operations, diversification of product lines and increased capabilities to serve the security needs of recreational and commercial boating markets worldwide,” said GOST President Jay Keenan.

Paradox Marine began as a simple maritime wireless security & monitoring company. Today, the company’s product lines have expanded to include Immarsat-based, satellite GPS tracking products, web based surveillance systems, acoustic deterrents, engine immobilizers and targeted product integrations creating all -in-one systems. Last year, the company purchased a larger facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to serve as the new global headquarters for its corporate administrative, research & development, sales & marketing and manufacturing & distribution operations.

GOST Products
The new line of GOST products includes (left to right) GOST Insight, GOST Nav-Tracker,
GOST Marine Magellan, GOST Watch and GOST Acoustic Barrier Powered by Inferno.

GOST Insight - Wireless security, monitoring, tracking & surveillance cameras can be set to record clips to website on alarm activation and send text & email notifications. DVR will record four cameras for 30 days.

GOST Nav-Tracker - Inmarsat Satellite-based GPS Tracking. Remotely control geo-fence and track your vessel online anywhere in the world using Google Earth interface. Awarded medal by the US Coast Guard for assistance in the recovery of various high profile vessels.

GOST Marine Magellan - Wireless security & monitoring. Call into system from any phone to arm/disarm or control relays. Up to 32 wireless sensors & eight wireless relays. Systems available for any size vessel.

GOST Watch - Surveillance system that is an easy add-on to existing cameras onboard. View cameras remotely.

GOST Acoustic Barrier powered by Inferno can function as a sound barrier or as a traditional siren. GOST Acoustic Barrier effectively stops intruders in their tracks by generating a patented unbearable pattern, frequency and intensity noise.

The name and brand changes are being implemented gradually, starting with GOST by Paradox Marine, to capitalize on the company’s strong reputation and brand loyalty to the Paradox Marine name. The new company web site can be viewed at www.gostglobal.com. A GOST branded trade show exhibit will make its debut at the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) 2010 conference and expo, September 29 – October 2 in Seattle.

Medical Insurance

One of the ways to protect yourself and your vessel is insurance. Here are two links for medical coverage away from home.

HTW Worldwide

SOS International

I was reminded of the insurance issue by this article at Expat Daily News. I have also had a couple of dealings with SOS International and found them very professional.

An alarm system on your boat is so much more than just a security system!

Many don’t think about alarming their boat until there is some activity in the area where the boat is kept, provoking a concern. At that point they scramble to protect their vessel and its equipment, and end up paying way too much for a system that was designed for a residential application. These modified home alarms, will never stand up to the harsh marine environment they are expected to function in and have only basic features built into them.

A true marine alarm is built from the ground up with purposeful design. They are enclosed in NMEAIII enclosures, protecting them from the damp marine environment. The devices are encased in epoxies, have potted electronics, they operate on the 12/24 VDC systems that the boats supply. The marine systems draw minimal amperage so that they can be used when the vessel is traveling without shore power.

You can remotely control all the features of your system from PC or cell phone, such as arming/disarming, turning lights and appliances on/off etc…

There is an array of available alarm devices such as contacts for hatches and doors, canvas snap detectors, deck and ladder pressure sensors and motion sensors, to protect from unwanted visitors. All are offered in hardwired versions and licensed frequency wireless devices for the hard to wire vessel.

A marine security system also supervises your vessel.

When you purchase a marine alarm system, supervising your vessel is an added feature that residential alarm systems can’t provide.

Since your vessel has no telephone lines or cables ran to it, you will monitor your boat alarm through cellular SIM cards or satellite and IP (internet protocol).

Boat security systems are monitored directly by the boat master via text message, voice reporting, internet and two way voice and listen in capabilities.

Your boat security system will monitor and report loss of shore power, high and low temperatures in your engine room and cabin, high water in your bilge (if your bilge pump should fail), smoke and fire and unannounced guests boarding.

There is an available option to look inside and around your vessel from anywhere in the world via PC or Java enabled device (you can pan and tilt the cameras). During a system violation video is stored on an off vessel server for your retrieval and review.

You can also add vessel tracking to your system, which will report all vessel movement by course, speed and heading until you disarm it remotely.

Are these systems affordable?

You will be amazed at how affordable these systems are! They can be modulated, so you purchase just the level of features you are interested in, and can be added to easily at any time. Many are virtually plug and play as they come preprogrammed from the distributer. They can all be installed easily by the handy boat owner or his/her favorite mechanic. Join us at http://www.MarineGuardSecurity.com/ to learn all about these marine grade security and supervisory systems. I make myself always available to answer all of your questions and support you, as your personal consultant. I look forward to helping you find the perfect system for you and your vessel.

The above was posted to the Marine Guard Facebook page. As the distributor for the Tampa Bay area, I thought it was worth posting here. I have received reports over the last couple of months of a 41' and a 51' yacht being taken from behind the residents' home. with such a high value asset, protection should be seriously considered. The Marine Guard systems will provide a deterrent to the theft, and will provide a means for a speedy recovery. Contact me for more information on protecting your vessel.

Caribbean Pirates: "Fishermen in fear"

From Eagle Speak : A story linking boat engine theft to drug smugglers.

I overheard a conversation today from someone with a bit of experience cruising in the Caribbean. He mentioned only locking up his boat 'a couple of times' while cruising, as he maintained it was very safe. Yet, in the next sentence, he mentions dinghy theft as being so prevalent that he chained his up at all times. to me, it seems contradictory to leave your 'home' (and your valuables - self included)unsecured, but locking up the dinghy, which could be reasonably replaced. I suppose it all depends on your point of view, but I would protect all my valuables - including those in my home.

Target Focus Training link

I have trained in the TFT methods for a long time now. I recommend them for everyone, and also recommend that you attend with others so you will have a reaction partner to train with.

The people at TFT also have some good networking tools, to get you in touch with other reaction partners in your area.



Head over to their site and take a look. I feel it will enhance your current martial art style, and will serve as a great basis for your personal self protection.

Emergency Flares

An article on using emergency flares from Scuttlefish.

Inmarsat Isatphone Pro

Here is an article on Inmarsat's Isatphone Pro,
from the folks at Panbo.



Consider this one of the tools you may want in your toolbox for safety and security. The ability to communicate is vital.