Piracy, which includes kidnapping, is also one of the 'growth' industries of our time.  This has led to specialist security and protection needs.  These are far from the swachbuckling adventurers of the old movies, or the modern 'Pirates of the Carribean'. 

For example the Somalian pirates in the Gulf of Aden have managed to conduct a lucrative trade in piracy and kidnapping, by seizing foreign vessels and ransoming of the crew as well as diverting the cargos.  The huge ransom demands have been met, quietly, resulting in the finance of further activity. 

This has resulted in the 'upgunning' of crews with some sophistication evident in the 'mother ships' and the co-ordination of attacks.  The successes have also emboldened the pirates to enlarge their area of operation.  As shown in this collage of photographs.  The standard armament of the attacking force is usually the AK47, RPG or pistols.

The International response to this has been varied, with some countries actively hunting the pirates whilst others have been prepared to take more direct action, such as raids to recover hostages.  The companies themselves have conducted their affairs more quietly, with some relying on maritime or ransom insurance.  The negotiations are conducted through third parties (quite often in Lebanon).  Generally, the hostages in these cases are well treated, once seized. 

International response now includes the raising of Combined Task Force 150, a multinational coalition task force design to tackle the piracy problem in Somalia.  This force operates under a UN mandate which suspended some of the sovereign rights of Somalia.  Australia is a contributor to this force.

Armed suspects in the Indian Ocean near somalia.  After this picture was taken, it is alleged that the vessels crew opened fire on a US Navy ship - not a bright thing to do.  The ships crew returned fire.  One suspected pirate died, 12 were taken into custody.

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Let us help prepare you to travel these waters, through the provision of training, staff and contingency planning.  We are happy to provide armed security, but this may affect your ability to enter some ports, carrying weapons onboard.  To balance this, to date (29.03.2010) no vessel with armed defenders has been taken by the Somali Pirates. 

When utilising our services as armed security in defence of your ship there are some serious considerations, including objectives, resources, costs and 'Rules of Engagement'.
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To Kidnapping             To Bodyguards             To Our Bodyguards         

To Security                 To Private Investigators

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For Maritime Law, National Legislation, Treaties, Agreements, Charters, Maps and Associated information follow this link to the relevant UN site.

DFAT Travel Advice for Shipping and Ports
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