How to Deter Piracy, an Onboard Demonstration

Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre Presents Mock Piracy Attack, September 14 in Southampton.

Piracy is a serious threat to the security of today’s merchant shipping industry. Over 400 incidents were reported last year alone, and the figure is rising. Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre (MMWC) has developed specific measures to deter and prevent piracy attacks and other violent crime, and invites you to attend a practical demonstration of these initiatives at Southampton on September 14, 2010.

MMWC has chartered the historic SS Shieldhall (pictured), which has capacity for 200 passengers, to take part in a mock piracy attack in the Solent. The plan is for the ship to sail from its berth at Southampton Docks with everyone on board at 1100hrs. We will sail up Southampton Water and recreate a full briefing as if we were just about to enter the Gulf of Aden, demonstrating crew training, intelligence briefings, and watch-keeping using MMWC’s new bridge-installed security radar.

As we reach Calshot, prior to entering the ‘high-risk piracy area’, we will deploy MMWC’s unique propeller arresters, the first counter-measure of their kind, which form a critical layer of physical defense between commercial vessels and would-be attackers. About twenty minutes later we will be ‘attacked’ by a skiff which will subsequently be caught up in the propeller arresters while we communicate with naval and coastguard agencies. Following the exercise, we will debrief and provide our guests with an exclusive look into the life of a merchant vessel passing through the Gulf of Aden/Indian Ocean region.

We anticipate a healthy attendance from both the shipping industry and the media, and guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and to meet MMWC’s key personnel, including CEO Nick Davis. Food and drink will be provided on board. Full directions on how to access the ship will be provided nearer the date.

We will be delighted if you can join us. In order that we can cater for the right numbers, please let us know soonest whether you are able to attend on September 14 by contacting: [email protected]

Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre (MMWC) Press Release