How to Outsmart Pirates

Arr, matey! 'Tis a dangerous life, the sea--full of giant beasts, raging storms and wayward ships bobbing around like steel icebergs. And that's not to mention the pirates. Sounds like an 18th-century fable, but the truth is, pirate attacks are a problem even today in some parts of the world. Small cargo ships and cruising sailboats are most at risk.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Research your route and find out if pirates have been spotted in the area. The Malay Peninsula, Somalia, parts of the South China Sea, and the Caribbean coast of South America are all active pirate spots. The International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre (www.iccwbo.org/ccs/menu_imb_piracy.asp) and sailing magazines frequently publish warnings as well.
2. Be aware of pirate tactics. They tend to follow a pattern, hitting the same routes or anchorages at certain times (moonless nights, for example). Adjust your route and schedule to minimize risk.
3. Form a fleet when traveling through dangerous waters. Single boats are far more likely to be attacked than groups. Maintain a speed that is comfortable for all boats in the flotilla, as well as a safe separation between boats. Post a watch at all times and come up with a fleet plan should any of the boats be attacked.
4. Maintain radio contact with the group. Or, if you're traveling alone, contact family or friends on shore at regular intervals. Rather than broadcast your exact position, establish an arbitrary reference point ahead of time and give your position in relation to it. Do not broadcast the coordinates of the reference point.
5. Keep in mind that most piracy incidents do not turn violent. The criminals take a few things and leave. But once pirates are aboard, armed resistance usually means a shootout. On the other hand, a visible show of arms before the pirates get close may convince them to choose an easier target.
6. Plant something in the safe so you can make a show of opening it and handing your valuables over. Conceal most other valuables in the many unlikely hiding places a boat offers. If pirates come aboard, they'll expect to leave with something, but that doesn't mean they have to find everything.
7. Make your boat less visible at night. Keep cabin lights off or concealed. In extremely dangerous locations, consider keeping your running lights off. The problem, of course, is that you're now invisible to other boats, including members of your own group. A collision might be more dangerous than a pirate incident.
8. Ram the pirates' boat. Most pirates use small powerboats and come alongside a sailboat or the stern ladder on a cargo ship. These small boats are no match for a sturdy cruising sailboat.

Tips & Warnings

• When in port, don't dress and act lavishly. Pirates live on land like the rest of us. They're likely to be in port and be keeping their eyes open for targets.
• Purchase night-vision goggles. These are handy navigation tools anytime, but can also help you spot pirates before they spot you.
• See 429 Plan a Sailboat Cruise.
• The International Chamber of Commerce (iccwbo.org) maintains a log of commercial piracy incidents. This might be helpful for identifying dangerous areas.
• Guns are tempting to keep and use but introduce problems. When arriving at a new port or country, you will be asked about weapons. Your choice is to lie and possibly land in jail (which might make piracy seem like a holiday in comparison) or admit to having the guns (which may get them confiscated). See additional warnings in 464 Formulate a Family Emergency Plan.