Piracy on the High Seas
by: Steve
Total views: 647
Word Count: 307
Every ship on the high seas of the world are again coming under attacks from Pirates. It matters little on what kind of vessel, pirates have found that any kind of vessel will bring them profit.
In days of old, ships protected themselves from piracy with its own armament. Not today, seems someone came up with an idea that none military ships cannot have weapons on board. I guess because they travel to ports around the world and no one wants armed ships in port.
What if we go back to the tactics of WW2 in the Convoy system of disguising some old ships to look like freighters, oil tankers or even private yachts, but have them manned by an international UN Marine Police force and the weaponry hidden from view until attacked by pirates. These vessels could have simple super structures that could be altered easily to change its appearance from time to time. I'm sure there are some seaworthy ships out there that the international shipping community could buy, refurbish and arm with international help and be given to the UN to man.
They then could still haul freight to cut some of the cost of operation and they would use the same shipping lanes, but they would carry the punch to stop piracy and they would have the blessing of the international community and would be allowed into most all ports being they are International Marine Police. Any pirate vessels and crews captured would be turned over to the nearest nation for prosecution and that nation would have all rights to the pirate vessel. Any weapons found on board the pirate vessel that could be a threat to the international community if they fell into the wrong hands would be turned over to the UN for disposal.
Just a thought...
About the Author
We need to learn from History.... First disguised vessels worked to bring Nazi subs to the surface and were surprised to find not a vulnerable ship but a battle wagon ready and waiting for them. Second we have learned from History that the UN does most everything poorly or not at all so it may not be the venue to control this venture. We may need to set up a separate International Marine Police Force.
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Comments
I think every seaman whether they work on a cruise line or a freighter should be trained in small arms weapons use and the ship they work on should have a weapons vault for automatic and RPG type weapons for use if the ship comes under Pirate attack..