Legal Disclaimer

Apparently, Maritime Vital Asset Protection, LLC has been investigated by the FL Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing.

Allegedly, I have conducted business or advertised the business of a Security agency without a valid Class "B" License.

To set the record straight - I and the company do not possess a Class "B" License. For a company with no clients (and no income) - the costs are above what we can afford. Any services (security services) that would be done would be referred to an appropriate Class "A" or Class "B" Licensed Agency. This is obviously not specified anywhere in past postings here, otherwise I would not be posting this.

Thank you to the Department of Agriculture for pointing out this error.

Holiday Shopping Tips

From 'Muay Thai: Beyond the Ring"  - a look at holiday shopping and parking lot safety.

Many good points brought up, many applicable to all parts of our lives - not just during the holiday season.

One point to add  -if caught up in a flash mob of sorts, you may have to act the part of a mob member, to go with the flow of the crowd. Then move to the side and disengage from the flow of the crowd. Use guile and deception to get yourself to a position of safety.

Be safe this season, and always.

New resource for readers of the Blog

Piracy and Port Safety - a nice introduction to the topic.

Even better are the free cruising guides offered at the site, and the other informative articles.

Highly recommended for readers here to take a look. Comment me and let me know what you think.

Found this photo labeled as 'Crewing on OPB (Other People's Boat)' - thought it appropriate.

Variety of articles

Just some articles I came across in my research.

1. Cruiser attacked in Pago Pago - about halfway down the page, I found the link through the Latts and Atts forum. Seems a 70 yr old cruiser was attacked on his boat by two 20 yr olds.....

2. Grey Pearl Blog - for some interesting news out of Singapore and the Malacca Straits.

3. Babes and Guns - for a light-hearted look at things, to remind us all is not terrible. The blog has some great scenery every few days, letting you take a mental vacation to far away, tropical islands.

Just some random images from various blogs. Enjoy the holiday season.

Spate of Burglaries

From Noonsite - some news about Admiralty Bay, Bequia.

Take the same precautions, in general, that you would at home. Lock your doors and windows when you leave, watch out for your neighbors ( as in mutually looking after each other), and maybe consider using an alarm system before you are a victim.


Any help or assistance we can provide, drop us a line at yachtsecurity@privacyharbor.com.

Somalia Pirates Article

From The Pirates of Puntland :

A short article by Robert Pelton, concerning the apparent decline in the Somalia Pirate business model.

Normally I don't post about the piracy issues concerning the commercial shipping interests, but there are indicators (read the news reports) that the pirates are turning to other sources of income (kidnappings on land, etc.).

Always prepare yourself by being situationally aware - looking for the threat before it becomes a crisis, and taking appropriate measures to avoid violence, if possible.

Fuel System Lock

From MarineLink.com , a short article about a fuel system lock. Protecting your fuel, so you can keep going on your cruise, sounds like a great idea to me. With higher prices (esp. for fuel at the docks), well worth the investment.  As always, look around for the best devices that fit your situation.  

GOST™ Mini Ball Camera

The GOST Mini Ball is now the company's primary camera and will be included in all GOST Watch HD & GOST Insight HD packages. 

This is a great camera for people wanting low profile coverage for their vessel.

As always, we endorse specially-made security products for the marine environment. 

Handheld LED Spotlight

From Larsen Electronics and Marine Link -

"This LED spotlight is IP68 rated waterproof and dustproof and will withstand full submersion in water up to 3 meters, making it well suited for marine applications. The high output, low power requirements, and extreme durability and versatility of this LED spotlight makes it ideal for security, law enforcement, hunting, and cable/power/utility work applications where operators need an effective and well focused light source than can run for extended periods without draining a vehicles batteries."

Looks like a great alternative to traditional spotlights, and it reportedly stays cool to the touch. A great piece of kit to help navigate back at night (picking up those elusive channel markers) or to shine light on suspicious objects/people.

Flir First Mate

From gCaptain:

Previously, we have posted about this same model (from a review on Panbo Electroncis).


Here is another look at what we consider a valuable piece of kit, for navigation, general usage and security purposes. And the price keeps coming down, making it more affordable to the cruising community.


The First Mate's portability lends itself to all manner of use, not just on the larger cruising vessel.

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

I know, it was the 19th of September .......

Tobago News

Three from Noonsite:
 Tobago: Local Reaction to Latest Crime Against Yachts

 Tobago: Plymouth, Great Courland Bay - Daytime robbery/break-in

 Tobago: 2nd Security Incident Against Yachts this Month

"Peter and I recognize that we have been pretty happy-go-lucky cruisers, and are now aware that we have been foolishly loose about security. We are already beginning the process of installing security systems, including locking metal grates for our companionway and hatches as well as lights and alarms. We are extremely grateful to the careful reporting of Kate and Allen of Mendocino Queen about their incident in the Cays, which kept us very conscious of the need to raise a ruckus as soon as we could. We are exceedingly grateful to our fellow travelers in Tobago whose tremendous help and TLC were so easily and thoroughly given. We are grateful for the bonding that has occurred among all of us, and particularly between Peter and me. We also are grateful for whatever divine intervention may have assisted in keeping our losses so small. We intend to continue cruising undeterred, albeit with heightened awareness and diligence."

 Take precautions before you need them. And if you like my posts, please comment and let me know. Looking for constructive feedback.

Remember to aim for center mass.....

French sailor killed, wife rescued from pirates by Spanish warship off Yemen

From gCaptain - update on the SY Tribal Cat. ‘They knew they were taking a risk and everyone advised them not to go,’ a relative told Agence France Presse (AFP) after the event. One of the couple’s daughters, Emilie, posted a message of concern on the blog they were keeping of their high seas adventure.

Pirates Attack Yacht off Yemen

From YachtPals - another yacht taken.


Haven't seen anything elsewhere, will update as information becomes available.

Somalia Hostages - Danish Family Free

News from Noonsite - taken on Feb 24, 2011, and released 06 Sep 2011.

Glad the family and crew were released - wish there had been a happier ending (tons of dead pirates).

The Chandler’s Book Now Published

Hostage: A Year at Gunpoint with Somali Gangsters By Paul and Rachel Chandler

Short article on Noonsite.

The Chandler's spent over a year in captivity after being abducted from their yacht, Lynn Rival.

Available at Amazon.

Theft from Yachts and other boats

From the folks at Noonsite - http://www.noonsite.com/ - a brief article about theft from vessels in East Malaysia/Borneo.

My reason for sharing this? To reinforce the concept of always taking care of your belongings. Most people that had items stolen had not locked their vessels hatches/doors. Also, they vessels were part of a large group, which may have lent an air of security to the participants.

A quote - "The lesson being that security is a major concern when cruising these waters and the thieves are quite bold in the way in which they operate."

Theft/thievery and other criminal acts will only increase as the economy worsens globally. It is not just a regional (Caribbean, S. Florida) issue - there are bad people everywhere, and it is up to you to prevent/deter the thieves.

Two articles for you

From PANBO, a review of a stabilizer for your electronics. Although aimed at the larger (and more expensive) end of the recreational cruising market (or super-yachts), it makes sense to better utilize your electronics.



And from FerFAL - a nice set of tips to help prevent crime, which can be tweaked to help keep cruisers and yachtsmen safe as well (looking at a larger picture).

Reality Check

Reality Check -, from the Expat Daily News blog for Aug 18, 2011.

Good article, along the same lines as what we try to stress here and at Yau Kung Mun - be aware of your surroundings, don't succumb to paranoia and quit living.

Not much more needs to be said - but plenty more needs to be done.

Situational Awareness

Came across this post about Situational Awareness on Stratfor.


If the examples given in the article help you understand the concept better, or allow you to explain them to loved ones, it is well worth the re-posting.

Self-protection is not just fists, feet and conditioning the body. Mindset plays a very important part.

As an added benefit, if you are more aware, you will discover more wonderful things about the world around that you may have been missing.

The No Bull**it Guide To Self Defense For Ladies

The No Bull**it Guide To Self Defense For Ladies

Found this today, and feel it is quite to the point. Not just for ladies, either; for all who may feel the need for self protection.

He has written a companion piece (more for the boys out there) about fist fighting.

The Passive Radar Reflector Solution for Sailboats

From Panbo - a great idea for increasing your visibility to the larger ocean going vessels during periods of reduced visibility.

Security is not always about out-gunning the pirates. Sometimes it is simple things to keep everyone safe, so they can enjoy the voyage.

“Killing hostages is now part of the rules”

WARNING LETTER: “Killing hostages is now part of the rules” gCaptain

While ISAF recognises that the final decision on whether to enter any area where pirates operate and how to conduct a vessel in those waters remains entirely the responsibility of the master of each vessel, the current advice from the military is simple:

Do not sail in the western Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Somali Basin and Gulf of Aden.



While many cruisers take offense at any government agency telling them what to do and where to do it, it may be good advice to heed at times. The other side of Africa (Gulf of Guinea) seems to be heading down violent path as well.

Houseboat Safety - drive safely and confidently using night vision cameras

Houseboat Safety - drive safely and confidently using night vision cameras.

Night vision devices are a great way to keep you and your vessel safe and secure.



With the integration of electronics these days, it makes sense to use all the tools available. Portable devices are also good, and may be the right piece of kit for a smaller vessel.

Global Ocean Security Technologies

Global Ocean Security Technologies Gets Trademark For GOST



FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (USA) – The acronym GOST has been successfully registered as a trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by Global Ocean Security Technologies (formerly Paradox Marine).

The trademark registration protects GOST for use in the provision of telecommunications and telematic hardware, software, programming and services related to the company’s marine security and vessel tracking systems.

“Trademark registration protects the GOST brand name for corporate purposes, but most importantly, whenever our customers see the acronym, they can be assured it is associated only with the quality products and services they have come to expect from our company,” said GOST President and CEO Jay Keenan.

GOST NT Evolution

One of the leading GOST™ products is NT Evolution, which combines the GOST Nav-Tracker and Marine Magellan systems to provide boat security, monitoring and tracking in a single unit. It is a hybrid of the GOST Nav-Tracker and core Marine Magellan technology, making it the most sophisticated, all inclusive Nav-Tracker yet.

NT Evolution uses a third generation tracking website which incorporates an advanced Google Earth interface and uses the Inmarsat network of satellites for ultra reliability. It is the ideal solution for boats with limited living/ bunking space who want to bury the unit and strictly rely on key fobs.

An IP rated enclosure protects the GOST wireless technology at the core of the system. This allows the NT Evolution to use the extensive range of marine-rated wireless sensors for security and monitoring in combination with the GOST Nav-Tracker satellite tracking product line. The system can accommodate up to 32 wireless sensors, a hardwired zone input, 16 key fob remotes and up to 8 wireless relays which can control AC or DC functions onboard the vessel. The wireless relays can be used to flash the lights or sound a siren on alarm and can be controlled from the key fob remotes. For customers who keep their boat docked behind their house it is possible to tie one of the wireless relays into the house security system to set that off when the boat is being tampered with.



Other GOST Products

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. This product was awarded a 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 can easily add-on to existing cameras onboard, which enables you to view your cameras remotely from your smart phone or computer from anywhere at any time.

GOST Acoustic Barrier - Functions 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.

GOST Immobilizer - The GOST Immobilizer is a simple yet effective device for protecting tenders, outboard boats, or Jet Skis from theft. The system is controlled via key fob and when armed will prevent the engine from starting. It allows a low amount of current draw through the GOST Immobilizer to power things like stereo memory and other low power consumption components. When armed, it blocks high current draw from the battery as the starter is engaged. When someone is attempting to start the vessel, it will not start and the siren will sound for a predetermined set time.

For more information about GOST™ marine security and tracking products, visit www.gostglobal.com or call 1+954.565.9898.

Global Ocean Security Technologies - 1200 NE 7th Avenue - Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 USA



Not a GOST product, just a great idea to maximize your resources.

Piracy and a FLIR Comparison

First, Piracy at Sea Reaching the Executive Decision, a nicew summation of the piracy problem - more aimed at the commercial world, but stillrelevant to all mariners.

Secondly, First Mate MS thermal camera, FLIR does it again!, Panbo does a comparison of the First Mate MS and the First Mate HM handheld FLIR. A nice piece of kit that I feel is needed for every yacht/cruiser. Read the comments section for the 'other than security' uses these devices offer.

GOST™ NT Evolution Foils Attempted Boat Theft In Florida

GOST™ NT Evolution Foils Attempted Boat Theft In Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA (USA) – A GOST™ (Global Ocean Security Technologies – formerly Paradox Marine) NT Evolution boat security, monitoring and tracking system stopped would-be boat thieves from making off with a 33’ Contender in greater Miami, http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifFlorida early Sunday morning, July 3. NT Evolution combines the GOST Nav-Tracker and Marine Magellan systems to provide boat security, monitoring and tracking in a single unit.



The Contender was in its slip when thieves attempted to steal it. They were stopped when the NT Evolution system’s audio and visual alarms sensed the intrusion, activated the siren and strobe light and alerted all of its contacts by text and email within 30 seconds of the event via the Inmarsat two-way tracking system.

The owners’ previous boat was stolen from the same slip a year earlier, causing the family to miss out on the entire summer season. "Summers are a precious thing for me and my family, to lose all last season was devastating. I knew that I needed to defend my new boat this year and that is exactly what the NT Evolution did. It prevented another theft,” said the owner, who requested anonymity for this story.

NT Evolution is a hybrid of the GOST Nav-Tracker and core Marine Magellan technology, making it the most sophisticated, all inclusive Nav-Tracker yet.

GOST NT Evolution

NT Evolution uses a third generation tracking website which incorporates an advanced Google Earth interface and uses the Inmarsat network of satellites for ultra reliability. It is the ideal solution for boats with limited living/ bunking space who want to bury the unit and strictly rely on key fobs.

An IP rated enclosure protects the GOST wireless technology at the core of the system. This allows the NT Evolution to use the extensive range of marine-rated wireless sensors for security and monitoring in combination with the GOST Nav-Tracker satellite tracking product line. The system can accommodate up to 32 wireless sensors, a hardwired zone input, 16 key fob remotes and up to 8 wireless relays which can control AC or DC functions onboard the vessel. The wireless relays can be used to flash the lights or sound a siren on alarm and can be controlled from the key fob remotes. For customers who keep their boat docked behind their house it is possible to tie one of the wireless relays into the house security system to set that off when the boat is being tampered with.

The GOST NT Evolution Package includes the GOST NT Evolution control unit with built in Marine Magellan core technology, 2 key fob remote controls, the antenna, a 30 ft antenna cable, a 6 foot power cable and covert antenna mounting bracket.

For more information about GOST NT Evolution and other GOST marine security and tracking products, visit www.gostglobal.com or call 1+954.565.9898.

Global Ocean Security Technologies - 1200 NE 7th Avenue - Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 USA



If this were my boat, I'd protect it with GOST products.

Two from Dockwalk

Armed security teams/ escorts onboard as a piracy deterrent: Good or Bad idea? From the blogs section, NR's Blog.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
My opinion - not really an option for cruisers/recreational boaters. For the Commercial Shipping industries? Definitely.

Locked Up Abroad - one of the high points we instruct Captains/Owners in is the need to know the laws of the countries you are going to visit, the penalties if you choose to dis-obey the laws. Not an easy set of choices at times, but as always, the better prepared you are before the event happens, the better decisions you will make.



Just a random image I came across surfing the net. Poetic justice and all....

Noonsite: Caribbean, Southern Windward Islands

From Noonsite:
Caribbean, Southern Windward Islands - Burglaries during Dinner Hour

Extra Caution/Awareness Suggested
Over the last 2 months, several reports have been received from yachts in the Southern Windwards who have been burgled whilst ashore for dinner.

The Caribbean Safety & Security Net reports that there has been speculation that, in certain anchorages, someone watches from shore to see which boats are vacated during the dinner hour and those boats are then targeted.

This is not a new phenomenon but four in one month is a record (as reported to the Caribbean Safety & Security Net in May). Yachts visiting those anchorages where this seems to be a frequent occurrence should consider leaving someone on board or leaving lights and/or a radio/CD player running, or anchoring farther from shore. It goes without saying that conversations about going out to dinner (or leaving the boat for any reason) should not take place on the VHF radio.

Anchorages include:

Bequia: Princes Margaret Beach
Mayreau: Salt-Whistle Bay
St Vincent: Wallilabou Bay
St Vincent: Blue Lagoon
St Vincent: Young Island

Note: An important aspect of your overall security measures is contained in the last sentence of the main body - what former-military types would call 'OpSec' or Operational Security. Basically, not broadcasting to the world your intentions.

Colour Codes of Awareness

From the folks at Low Tech Combat



'The Colour Codes of Awareness can be used as a model or system for conceptualishttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifing just how we should actually apply awareness. Many people espouse that we should always maintain awareness of our surroundings and be on the lookout for warning signs and indicators that warn of a person about to possibly attack. But it can still be unclear as to how we should go about being ‘aware’.'

'All you need to do is start off at yellow and avoid white. Its that simple.

Yellow then orange then red. Hopefully that is all. That is how awareness works and how awareness equals avoidance.'

It is ironic, the more aware we are, the less likely we are to use the skills we have developed over the years. Ironic, but in a good way.

Train hard, train smart, but do train.

Iridium inReach – Text Messaging From Sea!

Catching up on some posting. Thanks to all who check in here, drop me a line and let me know what you think at yachtsecurity@privacyharbor.com.

Here are two from gCaptain - one on Iridium inReach and one on Epirbs



As readers here know, we stress situational awareness and safety - as well as the more 'traditional' aspects of security - all need to be tied into one package to be effective.

How to deal with Flash Mobs

Some great words of advice in this article from The Modern Survivalist -

'The two most common rules, the ones that people that get hurt or killed by them fail to remember are 1) Don’t get involved with them! 2) Get away from them as fast as possible.'

When taking the shoreside excursions, security needs to be in the back of the mind - always.

Sometimes even a Master of Kung Fu needs to know how to beat a tactical retreat.

Brazil: Now Fighting River Pirates

Thanks again to Eaglespeak

The world is not becoming a 'kinder, gentler' place. As economies still are not prospering as they were, resources are getting a bit tighter, etc., expect more of these incidents. Take measures to protect yourselves and your vessels.

Trinidad: Sea Robbers Attack Fishermen

From Eaglespeak

Piracy is not a Somali or Indian Ocean event. Here at Maritime Vital Asset Protection, we really don't concern ourselves overly much with definitions. Crime against yachtsmen, cruisers and their vessels is a crime, and measures need to be developed to deter and deal with the occurrence. Whether it is piracy or simple theft, leave the definitions to lawyers.

Do research prior to your voyages, or contacts us and let us help you become aware of the 'issues' you may encounter.

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

Found this at Mario Vittone - Boating and Water Safety.



As readers of the blog know, security is not just guns and glory. Awareness of all the perils that are out there are required to adequately prepare for a fun filled adventure. Kind of paradoxical, but the better prepared you are for emergencies, the more they seem to happen to the other guy.

Ladybug Salt

No - it's not a food delicacy from the exotic jungles of SE Asia - it's a small folding knife from Spyderco. Using H1 steel, it is highly rust resistant and like all spyderco products I have used, keeps and edge and is a great tool for the people who tend to not take care of their tools as well as they should.

Its small size makes it ideal for boaters and people looking at every day carry concerns, and the yellow handle helps people like me find it when they lay it down somehwere.

A video review is up at Clever Conversation - stop on by, be entertained and educated, and let him know you came from here.

Nautilus Lifeline

Saw this advertised and reviewed in the Winter 2011 edition of "Alert Diver' magazine.
The Nautilus Lifeline looks to me like it would be a great piece of kit, enabling handheld and waterproof capabilities in an emergency VHF radio.

Pirate-proof your yacht

An article from BBC on pirate-proofing your yacht.

While focused on Somalia and the surrounding waters, the article will help educate cruisers in other parts of the world.

Need information on pirate-proofing your vessel? Contact us at yachtsecurity@privacyharbor.com and we can help you on your way. We do not push certain products or services, we help educate you on measures you can take to keep your vessel and people safe.

Couple of items for early May

GOST Marine Magellan
Saves The Day For Massachusetts Boat Owner



Not all security issues are against theft and piracy - many 'security' systems will also help you with safety and protection against natural elements. GOST has many fine products, stop by and tell them Don in Tampa sent you their way.

Also, there is a news item on Noonsite regarding maritime criminals on both sides of Costa Rica. As the global economy continues its not-so-good performance, expect more acts of theft and violence perpetrated by the 'have-nots' against the so-called 'haves'. It doesn't matter that you saved for your retirement, others may view you as a 'rich' target.

Need any information on personal security or vessel security? Our operators are standing by, ready to answer your every question.

May 2011 - Latitudes and Attitudes

During the ongoing research for you, the readers of this blog, I found four separate articles relating to cruisers/yachties and piracy.

Page 20, a regular column by Tania Aebi discussing changes in the Indian Ocean/Gulf of Aden over the last twenty years or so, finishing with a comment,'..practicing avoidance rather than confrontation.'

Page 40, 'A Cruise Along the Troubled Coast', concerning Venezuela.



Page 120, a write-up regarding GOST Immobilizer, a fairly inexpensive piece of kit that may help you protect your dinghy/tender.

Page 18, a short article about the Seven Seas Cruising Association's 'A Call to Action'.