note to UN : Stop the pirates!!

[JohnnyD]

Let's not forget that the pirates still hold 100 hostages from previous raids.

It is annoying to me that the US is seen (by our politicians) as required to police the world. We should only be protecting our interests.

It would be significantly cheaper and more effective to place an armed security force on US flagged ships than to have battleships aimlessly patrolling over a million square miles of ocean.

I would like to see those pirates with their AK-47s and 15' tin attack boat try and board a vessel that has 2 sharpshooters and 2 other security personnel.

[likwid]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

Let's not forget that the pirates still hold 100 hostages from previous raids.

That nobody seems to care about.

It is annoying to me that the US is seen (by our politicians) as required to police the world. We should only be protecting our interests.

Not only politicians but now the screaming right's desire to invade Somalia.

I would be significantly cheaper and more effective to place an armed security force on US flagged ships than to have battleships aimlessly patrolling over a million square miles of ocean.

Now this is inherently wrong, whether a warship is sitting in Norfolk or in the Indian Ocean, its costing money. Period. But mind you, would I want them stuck there when there's plenty of other capable nations in the region? No.

I would like to see those pirates with their AK-47s and 15' tin attack boat try and board a vessel that has 2 sharpshooters and 2 other security personnel.

Ok, so the pirates just stuff a couple RPG's into the side of an LPG tanker. Lotta good those sharpshooters are huh?

[RIJIMMY]

Originally Posted by likwid

Ok, so the pirates just stuff a couple RPG's into the side of an LPG tanker. Lotta good those sharpshooters are huh?

to gain what? these guys are in this for $, theres no $ in blowing up a tanker. Johnny D is right on.

[likwid]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

to gain what? these guys are in this for $, theres no $ in blowing up a tanker. Johnny D is right on.

There's money in it when you threaten to start blowing them up.

Originally Posted by Raven

are "on the water" terrorists

and should be dealt with the same way
we deal with terrestrial terrorists

INVADE THE OCEAN! Oh wait...

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by likwid

Ok, so the pirates just stuff a couple RPG's into the side of an LPG tanker. Lotta good those sharpshooters are huh?

They're doing that anyway. RPGs are being launched at many of the vessels that use their "defense systems" - systems that consist mainly of high-powered sounding devices and water guns.

Accuracy of an RPG above 200meters is pathetic. Yet well within the range of a sharpshooter.

To these Pirates, raiding these ships is a minimal-risk job considering the profits available. There is hardly any deterrent. Maybe some of them will start thinking twice when a couple dozen pirates die at sea for attacking the wrong vessels.

[likwid]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

They're doing that anyway. RPGs are being launched at many of the vessels that use their "defense systems" - systems that consist mainly of high-powered sounding devices and water guns.

Accuracy of an RPG above 200meters is pathetic. Yet well within the range of a sharpshooter.

To these Pirates, raiding these ships is a minimal-risk job considering the profits available. There is hardly any deterrent. Maybe some of them will start thinking twice when a couple dozen pirates die at sea for attacking the wrong vessels.

Considering its a 3rd world nation with absolutely nothing to gain other than through piracy, I doubt much other than real patrols is going to deter them.

So they get lit up, I'm sure they'll happily start shooting back and ransoming the cargo instead of the crew. Less hassle that way anyhow. And up until now the crews were treated pretty well overall. Thats out the door now.

Shipping companies don't want to pay to arm the ships nor pay for the liability. Replacing dead crew is cheaper than arming them.

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by likwid

Replacing dead crew is cheaper than arming them.

I disagree. Considering the real risk to these companies is an increase of insurance premiums after being paid out, I'd speculate that insurance companies would provide decreased rates for shipping companies that have armed details.

In a pure, cold-hearted business sense, I would guess that preventing the death of one or two crewmen and not having to pay out the insurance costs is cheaper than arming them.

[likwid]

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

I disagree. Considering the real risk to these companies is an increase of insurance premiums after being paid out, I'd speculate that insurance companies would provide decreased rates for shipping companies that have armed details.

This isn't your car having an airbag, this is arming and training or paying for a 3rd party extra crew to be on board. Expensive. Not gonna happen.

In a pure, cold-hearted business sense, I would guess that preventing the death of one or two crewmen and not having to pay out the insurance costs is cheaper than arming them.

What insurance? I doubt it costs them a dime if someone dies. American crewed shipping is a rarity in that region, most are from other countries.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by likwid

Now this is inherently wrong, whether a warship is sitting in Norfolk or in the Indian Ocean, its costing money. Period.

Its a hell of a lot cheaper for a ship to be sitting pier side in norfolk than to be steaming around the IO. Do you realize how much fuel is burned by a destroyer when its underway.......not to mention just the 6 figure toll for going through the Suez Canal.

[Raven]

with the Pirates has changed everything!

the pirates have vowed they will kill all Americans now

so.... now it will be a shoot on sight deal-- I hope!

[likwid]

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

Its a hell of a lot cheaper for a ship to be sitting pier side in norfolk than to be steaming around the IO. Do you realize how much fuel is burned by a destroyer when its underway.......not to mention just the 6 figure toll for going through the Suez Canal.

Well that fuel is gonna get burned one way or another. They don't sit for long unless undergoing maintenance. And hey, its just tax dollars.

But yet again, why exactly are we being expected to patrol?

[Raven]

are "on the water" terrorists

and should be dealt with the same way
we deal with terrestrial terrorists