Definition of piracy

One of the problems facing yacht owners is the difference between piracy and robbery. Apparently, that has been solved in the US Courts a long time ago.
"...the case cited as precedent, United States v. Smith, 18 U.S. 5 Wheat. 153 (1820) which wends its merry way to a determination that (at p. 161,162):
There is scarcely a writer on the law of nations, who does not allude to piracy as a crime of a settled and determinate nature, and whatever may be the diversity of definitions in other respects, all writers concur in holding that robbery or forcible depredations upon the sea, animo furandi, is piracy. The same doctrine is held by all the great writers on maritime law in terms that admit of no reasonable doubt.
***
We have therefore no hesitation in declaring that piracy, by the law of nations, is robbery upon the sea, and that it is sufficiently and constitutionally defined by the fifth section of the act of 1819."

The above was taken from Eagle Speak - one of the blogs I subscribe to. Their blog tends to follow the larger Somali/Gulf of Aden and related piracy acts against merchant seaman and ships. Great information and resource.


So, to my non-lawyer mind, an act of robbery at sea is piracy, and attempted act of robbery at sea (unable to board) would be an attempted act of piracy.

Introduction to the company for new readers

Maritime Vital Asset Protection, LLC
We provide security consultation and training for vessel owners, captains and crewmembers.

Services offered:

* Security Assessments. The first step in determining the needs of the client, we evaluate the risk and threat based upon where the vessel is primarily berthed, the waters frequently visited and ports of call the vessel intends to make. We draw upon a vast amount of resources worldwide to ensure an accurate assessment is made.
* Security Plans. The next step in the protection of the vessel and personnel. As the USCG/US Govt are becoming stricter in the security requirements being leveled at recreational boaters, we provide security plans based upon MTSA 33 and ISPS Code guidelines currently in effect for larger, commercial vessels. In addition, we take steps to ensure that the measures needed detract as little as possible to the enjoyment of the vessels intended purpose - recreation.
* Security Training. We provide training in and recommendation of various security devices, determined necessary during the assessment and plan. We do not endorse specific manufacturer's nor install alarms - we will point to solutions and advise the owner/captain the options available.
* Anti-theft and Anti-piracy Measures. We provide classroom and practical training evolutions, based on the assessment and on the captain/owners request. We will provide discrete security personnel as requested to augment the vessel and crew, if necessary.
* SCUBA Training. We provide PADI instruction in Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue, Divemaster and selected specialty courses. We can also provide limited underwater services.
* Emergency First Response (EFR) Training. We provide EFR training, to include CPR and AED training.
* Unarmed and Armed Self-protection Training. Based upon extensive martial arts and Special Operations background, we provide courses that are tailored to the needs of the client. We can also recommend additional training courses for further education that may be out of the realm of expertise of the staff.

Flir's Next Big Thing

FLIR

From the folks at MadMariner

Integrating FLIR with your other navigation systems is a great idea, one that extends beyond mere navigation assistance or security measures. Listen to the podcast here for more information.

The FirstMate, an excellent choice for handheld and portable efficiency.

Don't let darkness drive you off the water: cruise with Navigator II.

Can Your Padlock Withstand a Bullet?

Today's post is from the good folks at ITSTactical.



Because many cruisers use padlocks to secure various items, I felt this was a great article. It also shows that sometimes the most expensive is not the best item to buy.
Here's the link to the padlock article.

Escape The Wolf

A great resource for the traveler in todays world. If there is one book the savvy traveler should read, I believe this is it. Check out their website at Escape The Wolf.

Packing the Perfect Ditch Bag

From Dockwalk

In keeping with the philosophy that security is not just guns and testosterone, here's an article on the 'Perfect' Ditch bag. As always, everyone has an opinion on what goes into it - I would include a powerful hand-held flashlight (torch to my Aussie and Brit friends).

10 Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

From Expat Daily News - a short note about travel safety for ladies, applicable to men, too.

Great tips, and especially applicable for those going off to college soon.

I have also posted this on my personal security website