note to UN : Stop the pirates!!

[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.