Prevention is better than Cure

The BBC reports - "The majority of ships being hijacked off the coast of Somalia are ignoring safety advice, UN piracy experts say. Carl Salicath, chairman of the UN group on piracy, told the BBC up to 25% of vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden are ignoring the UN's guidelines. There are a number of recommended guidelines:


• Sailing as fast as possible
• Using barbed wire where pirates could possibly board
• Staying in contact with the international maritime forces
• Sailing at recommended times

Maritime Risk International agrees with the report and ships are at risk without proper precautions. However, there are a number of other ingenious non-lethal methods that can be used to protect a ship. Sailing fast isn't just the answer.