If you’ve ever seen the Hollywood film, Captain Phillips, you’ll know exactly how easy it is for boat-bound pilferers to board and take hostile control of even the largest aquatic transportation vessels. In 2008, cargo ships had no protection whatsoever – mainly because they never thought something as mystical as pirates on the open seas would ever pose a real-life threat to cargo carrying ships. Since the years of Somali piracy, cargo ships the world over have bolstered their security efforts substantially. The flip side of the coin is that potential pilferers have also improved their trade significantly, and for this reason cargo ships are urged to implement multiple security measures that deter piracy at long range, medium range and close quarters respectively. Let’s have a look at three cargo ship security measures for ironclad cargo ship defence while on the open ocean.

Long-Range Acoustic Defence Systems

Cargo ships are able to pick up foreign vessels from a distance, but communicating with these vessels is impossible until they are closer. With long-range audio devices, such as the LRAD system, cargo ship personnel are able to make contact with vessels up to four kilometres away. These can be used to ask vessels to identify themselves, issue radio communication details for two-way communication, issue warnings, and even as a non-lethal dispersal system that will temporarily incapacitate potential pilferers should they not heed verbal warnings.

Medium-Range Water Hose Defence Systems

While the LRAD system can deter piracy from a distance with high frequency audio waves, close range defence is often necessary should pilferers find a way to get into close proximity to a cargo ship. High-pressure water hoses are used successfully on most cargo ships, and essentially suck sea water through the ship to be sprayed out at high velocity through hosepipes located along the perimeter of the vessel. These are medium-range defence mechanisms that should prevent potential cargo ship pilferers from parking their vessel close enough to actually board the transporter.

On-Board Private Security Personnel

As far as cargo ship security goes, a final line of defence to thwart any pilfering attempts would be to implement armed on-board private security personnel. Having trained security professionals on-board a cargo ship will provide professional security measures should pirates make it through initial defence systems. This will provide further peace of mind to crew members, and will ensure that the precious cargo being hauled makes it to its final destination unhindered.

Holistic Tailored Security Solutions

At MGN Group, we are passionate about securing your world. Our niche security solutions provide comprehensive protection services in the fields of transportation, route analysis, threat investigations and any other security requirements. Speak to us about how we can secure you with Intense Security Solutions today!