Getting into the hands of pirates is really unthinkable especially when the kinds of people are like those Somalis who are known for their notorious activities in the Gulf of Aden and beyond. Shipping activities had been hard hit in that part of the globe and so with seafarers who risk lives and limbs every time their vessels comes under attack by the lawless elements from Somalia.
Different counter measures were implemented by the shipping industries and concerned authorities from around the world but nothing come close to really of stopping the problem of piracy. Instead, the well armed and well financed Somali pirates is getting bolder and sophisticated in their daily routine of attacking vessels that bring international trades to and from their port of destination.
Nonetheless, crew of various vessels, armed with MARSEC or Maritime Security Awareness and relevant trainings are doing their best in providing security to their vessels although limited and can’t prevent extremely dangerous buccaneers ready to inflict harm. One of the basic preventive measures being carried out in pirates watch keeping is by rigging fire hose at the poop deck area, both port and starboard side. Pirates watch keeping is tough and one must be attentive especially when the vessel is passing pirate infested areas like the Malacca strait, the one time most dangerous shipping lane in the world.
Malacca strait straddles in the territorial waters of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore and once a heaven for Indonesian pirates who operates with impunity. Usually the pirates used dinghy or small craft and others used fishing boats to camouflage their true identity. Before, they attacked in broad daylight in frequency and precision. But after quite sometime, piracy in the area subsided because other nations like Japan funded an international anti-piracy gathering years ago which was held in Malaysia.
At present, Singapore strictly patrols on their side of the border showing their firepower. Their F-16 Jets, Cobra Attack helicopters and other advanced planes hover above the sky in regular fashion. Frigates, cutters and high-tech patrol crafts menacingly patrol the waters always ready to pounce on suspected pirates and terrorists.
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