Piracy Peport

June 02, 2010
Special Advisory on evolving pirate tactics
Recent observations of Somali pirate tactics indicate Somali pirates are employing a new technique to board merchant vessels using concertina (razor) or barbed wire as a defensive measure to prevent unauthorized boardings. Somali pirates are throwing blankets and ladders over the concertina (razor wire) or barbed wire to circumvent this security measure. Simultaneously, pirates in skiffs shoot at the vessel to facilitate the boarding attempt. Mariners are advised to incorporate this information into their industry best practices for security such as: continuous counter-piracy shipboard drills, fixed fire hoses along the outside of the vessel- especially near potential boarding points, assignment of additional watch standers to ensure 360 degree coverage for vessel, and consideration of employment of a private security team.