possible pirate counter measures

Posted By: rashid120583 (November 28, 2008 at 1:03 PM)
BTW I realize I didn't offer a solution so here are a few:

Short-term: As this article mentioned, the addition of barb wire would be a cheap and effective deterrant. Add with that some outward facing curved non-electric fencing means that hooks will have little area to gain purchase. Further, even if they do manage to gain a secure line it is very difficult to climb on a moving vessel around an outward curving fence. This idea works because no one benefits from it other then those who participate. It is relatively cheap and easy as well as non-violent.

An active crew on alert when moving through this area with the suggestion I made would significantly reduce the likelhood of sucessful attack.

As has been mentioned before there are Islamists in the reigon who did not approve when Islamic ships were attacked. Create a treaty with these people and the Pirates to ensure that no Islamic nation ship is attacked. It is very easy to swap flags when moving through the area (swallow your pride). Further, it reduces the number of targets of opportunity which reduces the cash flow of the pirates. This is a good thing.

Note: I did not say to sign some sort of alliance with these Islamists. All I am suggesting is co-opting them so that we reduce the number of ships attacked and start to reduce the profitability of attacking these ships. The Islamists will eventually have to be taken care of on their own.

I would even co-opt McLovins plan by adding some sort of convoy system in the short term. Independently the idea would not work. However, coupled with a number of other things it can be a first step to a long term solution.

Long term: The creation and development of Somalia and its goverment. Yay... nation building sucks but in this case, some sort of stability is needed. It is cheaper to provide aid to Somalia for 10 years and solve a multitude of problems and generate good will then it is to escort ships through the area for the next 50.