The problem is shipping companies operate on very tight budgets, personnel costs are a critical factor, hence most large modern ships have very small crews. Paying for additional trained and armed personnel who can man watches 24-7 and have the firepower to fend off a coordinated attack by armed men (RPG's RPD's AK's) is expensive and very risky. The last thing shipping companies want is a fire-fight breaking out on or near their ships, particularly those carrying dangerous or flammable materials. Many companies chose to transfer the risk to an insurance broker by investing in K&R coverage for the fleet. In the event the ship and crew are taken a K&R team with negotiate the release of ship and crew for a fee. The premiums are high, but no near what you would have to pay for a well trained armed protective detail.
Plus, with armed individuals on board, the regular insurance premiums you pay
already suddenly jump up with the increased risk of accidental injury or possible death. Shipping CEO's simply couldn't legitimize the cost with the relative small chance their ship would even be targeted. Beyond that, international shipping laws would require all ships with registered weapons on board to submit to inspection by that country's coast guard, which slows them down considerably... which cuts
deeply into a companies revenue.
But in all honesty, pirates are surprisingly non-violent. Afterall, they need the crew alive to operate the ship and can recieve much larger bounties if they don't kill anyone, so it makes sense to not kill anyone.
riksavage said:
Also companies invest in L-RADS & M-RADS, which provides an acoustic deterrent, which do not require a firearms licence. The devices allow the crew to communicate over long distances warning suspicious vessels to stand-off and can be ramped up to cause excruciating ear pain. These are non-lethal, and unfortunately a good set of ear defenders will mitigates their effectiveness. Ships also electrify their perimeter rails and fit high-power hoses to try and prevent hook-ons. Ships with higher freeboards are more difficult to attack, anything over 40 feet will require the use of a plummet or similar device because a ladder or hook-on device is simply not long enough.
They electrify the railings?
I heard they put grease and barbed wire around them, but how do they physically electrify the railings without essentially making the ship a ground?
riksavage said:
The convoy system is also in operation, ships will form-up and be escorted by one of the standing military vessels in the area.
That's provided good buisness for companies that specialize in organizing these convoys.