Thursday, December 23, 2010

The lie that saved me...

I was crossing a very sensitive border, leaving the world's
nastiest dictatorship with a head full of intelligence and enough
hard proof to avert global disaster. It was all going so well and I
was almost over the line when a beefy officer with an enormous
Communist hat and an even larger moustache stepped out from behind
his kiosk and grabbed me by the shoulder.

"Is that a Gymboss in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?"

A cold bead of sweat trickled slowly down my back. My head was
filled with an irritating loop of "Morning Train" by Sheena Easton
-- that was my mental conditioning kicking in, drilled into me so I
wouldn't panic in moments exactly like this.

I was busted and I had to think fast.

That border guard had eyes like a hawk. It was indeed a Gymboss in
my pocket, but I sure didn't want to admit it! He'd know I was
training TACFIT-style and the game would be up.

So what did I do?

I swallowed my pride and batted my eyelashes.

"Why yes officer, I AM happy to see you..."

It was a blow to my pride -- a Gymboss doesn't exactly make an
imposing silhouette -- but it bought me some time. They marched me
into a customs shed, and when they turned their backs to close the
door I picked up a heavy oak desk, pressed it over my head, and
hurled it at them.

The force of the desk took down all three guards. That thing was
solid! I would never have budged it if I hadn't spent those
precious three weeks between missions building functional muscle.

I bolted out the door and sprinted across the border before they
had a chance to get up and pursue me. And I threw in some evasive
dodges, rolls and dives just in case... I bet that freaked them
out, cause everyone thinks "muscular" has to equal "muscle bound."
Sorry Comrade, but that simply isn't true.

Now I'm safe at home, sitting by the fireplace sipping a protein
shake -- shaken, not stirred -- and polishing my dumbbells. I've got
some downtime, and that means it's time to hone my skills.

Yeah, these TACFIT courses have been a lifesaver for my career. I
used to "muscle up" using bodybuilding style training. But after a
while I got so darn bound up that I repeatedly threw out my back
trying to answer my shoe phone. You should have heard the guys at Q
Branch laugh their pocket protectors off!

No, I need muscle that's as functional as it is impressive. I need
strength, power, size and agility to meet the demands of my crazy
life. I might be scuba diving in the morning, scaling the walls of
a fortress at noon, and playing baccarat in the Monte Carlo casino
that night. I swear sometimes the trunk of my Aston Martin looks
like I live in it.

TACFIT is just what the special branch ordered. It's no wonder all
the guys in my department are using it. At least those of us with
00-numbers.

This message won't self destruct like those fancy messages I get
from HQ, but the special deal on Mass Assault will!
Move fast like the wind, my friends. Move fast..... like the wind.

_______

Aside from the over the top advertising methods, I like and recommend using the Gymboss timer. Very versatile, compact, etc. I have also been doing the TacFit Commando workouts for the last 4 months or so, and feel they are a great way to focus your training time/methods. I recommend using two gymboss timers, one for the warm-up and cool-down phases (set for 6 rounds of 30 seconds with 30 seconds rest), and one for the Tabata portion. Train hard, train smart.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Captain still held in NYC and a related post

Two articles from the latest edition of The Triton:

Captain arrested for gun in NY still awaiting trial

Man on trial for party on Savarona

As mentioned here previously, part of our approach to 'self-defense' for the vessel/captain/crew and guests is awareness of the laws in the countries you will visit - and plans for what to do when things go wrong (ala Captain Murphy, that infamous seaman).

Many vessels have been impounded and mariners imprisoned because of the actions of guests (drug and gun offenses seem the majority of the problem areas).



My thanks to The Triton for bringing (and keeping) these stories to light.

Have a Merry Christmas. Feel free to contact me at yachtsecurity@privacyharbor.com.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Various articles and Merry Christmas

Part of the rigors I put my staff through is to research the various magazines, books, and online resources for articles of interest pertaining to yacht and vessel security.

This last month, Blue Water Sailing magazine (Dec 2010) had two articles and the opening editorial regarding attacks at sea. Specifically, "Organizing a Convoy', page 28 and 'Pirate Alley', page 24. Both dealt with the issues of piracy towards vessels. Well written, and not contributing to a paranoia regards the situation.
The editorial, page 4, also dealt in a realistic manner with the dangers faced. Placing them in perspective helps to minimize the mystery and terror that the situations can cause. The editorial talks of everyday items for defense (to include probably the most effective 'tool' - the radios), to which I would add get some training for the tools you intend to use. Check out James Keating's Comtech for some great training DVD's, or take some training first hand from him.

The second magazine this month is one of my favorites - Latitudes and Attitudes. A couple of small articles in the scuttlebutt section worth reading.
Lastly, from the on-line editions of Caribbean Compass, in the November 2010 edition is an article on page 26 - Pondering Piracy. Basically, it is defining the terms, separating piracy from theft, assault, etc. A good article, but in my opinion, a bit academic. As one of my earlier posts this year stated, when the bad guys are attacking your home, it doesn't matter what it is called. Spending time deciding if it is piracy or theft or whatever is useless - deal with what it is - an assault against you and your loved ones that must be dealt with, immediately. After the assault, get your ducks in a row about how you handle the situation when the authorities arrive (if they arrive at all).

To end this post on a merry note....here is some cheer from a mermaid site.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Surviving in Argentina


Surviving in Argentina? what does that have to do with yacht security? Has the writer gone crazy?

Nope. Just acknowledging a great source of information and common sense. FerFAL's blog provides me a glimpse into life in a country where things are, shall we say, not so good. He gives some good insight into living in a troubled land, and the suggestions are worth reading.

Here are a few recent posts I found interesting.
Ear-muffs-and-headsets - if you are training with firearms, I definitely recommend their usage.
Spiritual-preparedness - not a topic I have covered, but worth considering.
Wife-does-not-buy-in - a common situation. How do you prepare/protect someone (and it may be the husband) who chooses to be not-so-aware?
Physical-fitness-and-survival - a common topic with me. The more fit you are, the better life's experiences are. No need to become a fanatic, but basic fitness will carry over to all your activities.
Shotgun-class - I am a proponent of the shotgun for vessel defense, primarily against personnel attempting to board (violently). Once on board, the close quarters normally associated with vessels will lend itself better to pistol work.

You may not agree with all he has to say, but hopefully the topics will generate a few ideas to better prepare you for the (hopefully) rare chance of becoming a victim.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

New CW website up


Another website from the folks at TampaBayBodyguards - a site on getting your Concealed Weapons permit.


On the page, which offers far more than just the CCW license, is a page for Vessel Defense. Designed to provide boat owners with more than a license, it will enable them to provide security for their passengers, family and crew.



And keeping with the holiday cheer message, here's to mermaids and coffee.

More yacht security news to follow in the next few days. Catching up on a lot of happenings at the moment.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Honduras - Attacks on Yachts

From the folks at Noonsite:
Cruisers Recommended to avoid the areas of Puerto Escondido and Laguna El Diamante

More information can be found at Riodulcechisme.

Seems that there are more attacks than are being reported. Take care when cruising, stress awareness to all your crew and guests.

Sorry to bring in the holiday season in this manner.

Criminals don't take the holidays off, neither should your awareness.