Pirates and Commerce, A Modern Plague of Pirates
Modern Piracy in the 21st Century, Risks at Sea, Captain P. Corbett
May 6, 2009
International trade and commerce are threatened as never before by modern pirates. Sea routes are risky. "Protect your ship and protect your crew" is a theme that Captain Peter Corbett drives home as he transports the reader on some realistic sea cruises. As a Captain or Master for over 25 years, Corbett presents a treasure chest of learning, experience and wisdom. A Master's preparation and vigilance, in port and at sea, are constant priorities needed for the safety of ship and crew.
Today's ships are high value targets. The stakes are huge. Corbett reminds us that three-quarters of earth's surface is water and almost 95 % of world commerce occurs via the seas. At sea the only real, operative law is the Captain and his crew for the most part. Today’s seas are danger zones.
This fast-paced read is interesting information for professionals, seafarers, or the inquisitive reader. The book is technical in many aspects, but extremely clear and well-illustrated. The book's usefulness for sea safety cannot be underestimated. Corbett has done an outstanding job in defining the problems and issues that professional, commercial seafarers, yacht owners and others must think about. It is one of the most comprehensive and insightful books on piracy available.
A Brief History of Piracy, Piracy and Pirate Definitions
Piracy goes back far in history. Corbett includes Homer’s piracy description in 1000 B.C. and Caeser’s brief capture by pirates in 75 B.C. Insights include China's female pirate, Ching Shih, and the Caribbean female pirates, Anne Bonney and Mary Reed. The book's main emphasis, however, is modern piracy.
Piracy Tactics, Causes, Protection, Safety, Security, Wisdom for Ships and Crews Are All Reviewed
The author describes the tactics and maneuvers of pirates and what sea captains must be alert to in port, upon disembarking, and when at sea. Concerns abound, and there are checklists for everything.
Corbett evaluates modern piracy and trends. He describes the coalition response and outlines the breadth of piracy covering the many remarkable hot spots throughout the world: Somalia, the Gulf of Aden, West and East Africa coasts, Malacca Straits, S.E. Asia, South China Sea, China, India, Bangladesh, The Caribbean and South America, Antigua, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela. He plots the statistics of pirate attacks, and reviews the causes and key factors of piracy: economics, politics, geography, and the physiological, and psychological-sociological issues.
Piracy Types, Categories and The Measures for Securing Cargo, Crew and Vessel Safety
Corbett quotes one pirate who said, “We consider ourselves heroes”. The Captain then differentiates modern piracy events:
- low level armed robbery (LLAR).
- medium level armed assault and robbery (MLAAR).
- major criminal hijack (MCHJ).
Corbett reviews the ISPS Code and the SSAS Ships Security Alert System. He looks at terrorism at sea, including attacks on yachts. Secure ship V.I.P. is presented. Corbett discusses assessment of risks and reviews the Hierarchy of Controls including: Security Hazard Assessment, activism by ship masters in port, just prior to sailing, and when the vessel is underway.
At sea pre-emption and contingency plans are always in order. Corbett discusses: disguise, decoy, diversionary tactics, distraction, deception. He evaluates emergency responses prior to the actual attack, and when pirates are boarding. He carefully points out the responsibilities of the ship's master and the crew. Once the ship is actually hijacked actions to be followed are delineated.
Military intervention by nations, and the problems with UNCLOS, are important aspects of the discussion. The UN Law of the Sea is an outdated document and needs modification and improvement. There is, obviously, the politics of consensus in everything the UN does.
Corbett reviews:
- The electrocoil main features and the conductor alarm coil.
- Optional repulse shock and energized wire.
- Razor wire, energizers concepts and feature and high tech solutions are discussed.
- Protocols for Ship Loc with Low Range Identification, and Tracking and Immediate Alert Notification.
- The Long Range Acoustic Device (this saved a cruise ship and several others from pirate boarding).
- Secure ship electrified fences.
- Newer biometric door locks.
- Firearms carried and used by private security companies are also discussed.
The Annexes (Appendices) cover marine laws and regulations related to piracy.
In summary, this is captivating reading and a scholarly, well-documented, comprehensive document that is informative and enjoyable to read. For Captains, Masters, commercial businesses and people engaged in sea commerce this is a mandatory reading. This book could help save a ship, or a life. Three cheers for Captain Peter Corbett and his crew!
Read more on international piracy- Pirates, Piracy, and What To Do in Somalia?
Sources
- Corbett, P. 2009. V. 1.3. A Modern Plague of Pirates. Modern Piracy in the 21 st Century. Offshore and Marine Publications. East Mersea, Essex.
- www.offshoremarine.co.uk
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
