"Stopping them BEFORE they board is the key," says Captain Kellerman. "This can be done simply by keeping watch and alerting the entire crew when attackers are spotted. This has proven to be a good deterrent to attack. Take evasive steering action, use high pressure water hoses, shine bright searchlights at approaching attack vessels [at night], alert all crew, broadcast attack via radio. At anchor make the boat look occupied. Keep a night watch. Use ultrasonic sensors to warn of approaching boats if possible. Always watch your stern when underway. Use RADAR to track approaching craft. Keep hatches and doors secure if possible. Keep a 360 degree watch at all times." When pirate-infested waters can't be avoided, ships should remain underway until the last possible moment. "Wagging the tail" (moving the stern back and forth) is also recommended. While arming the crew is a possibility, both seamen and organizations like the IMB frown on this option. Aside from the multinationality of crews and the need for firearms training, there could be legal and diplomatic repercussions if weapons are used.
In-depth training is often not something shipowners provide to their crews, so where can merchant seamen and pleasure boaters acquire anti-piracy training? Maritime security firms provide such training. Captain Kellerman suggests that you investigate a prospective trainer before signing up to take a course. Check for "professional licensing, principal backgrounds, company history. For instance, my company [Special Ops Associates] has recovered 400+ missing or stolen vessels from 11 countries. We do this as a business, not a hobby. Unfortunately many out there see this field as a romantic way to make a living. They don't last long when they see that it is simply a different kind of job where the only reward is a paycheck and personal satisfaction." Captain Kellerman's credentials back up what he says. He's a U.S. Coast Guard Captain and a veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces; is certified as a Special Operations Jumpmaster, a police firearms instructor, a personal protection instructor, a private investigator, a rescue diver, and a master diver; and is the author of Marine Security Management and Piracy Countermeasures.
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