The Evolution of Maritime Security
When Somali pirates seized the Maersk Alabama in 2009, the event captured global attention and accelerated a transformation in maritime security. What had been a relatively obscure concern for ship operators became front-page news, and the shipping industry’s approach to protecting vessels and crew changed fundamentally.
Today, ships transiting high-risk waters employ multiple layers of protection, from physical barriers to armed security teams. Understanding these measures—and how they work together—provides insight into how modern shipping manages one of its most persistent threats.
Armed Security Teams: The Controversial Solution
The deployment of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) represents the most significant change in maritime security practices over the past fifteen years. These teams, typically comprising former military personnel, embark on vessels transiting piracy zones and provide armed response capability.
The results have been dramatic. No commercial vessel with an armed security team aboard has been successfully hijacked. Pirates, who typically approach in small skiffs and rely on speed and surprise, are deterred by the presence of trained personnel with weapons capable of engaging at range.
How Armed Teams Operate
A typical security team consists of three to four personnel who embark before the vessel enters a designated High Risk Area (HRA) and disembark after transit. During passage, team members maintain watches, monitoring for approaching vessels and coordinating with the bridge team.
Rules of engagement govern when and how force may be used. Teams typically employ a graduated response:
- Detection and tracking – Radar and visual observation of approaching craft
- Warning signals – Radio calls, flares, and signal lights
- Warning shots – Fired away from approaching vessels to demonstrate capability
- Disabling fire – Aimed at engines or steering of confirmed hostile craft
- Direct engagement – Only when attack is imminent and other measures have failed
Most encounters end well before the final stages. Pirates seeking easy targets typically break off when they recognize an armed response capability.
Physical Protection Measures
Armed teams are expensive and not always available. Many vessels rely on physical protection measures that make boarding difficult or impossible.
Razor Wire and Anti-Climb Barriers
Coiled razor wire along deck edges and around accommodation areas creates obstacles for boarders. Properly installed, it forces attackers to expose themselves while attempting to cut through, buying time for crew to implement emergency procedures.
Water Cannons and Spray Systems
High-pressure water can capsize small boats and deter boarding attempts. Ships may install fixed spray systems that create a curtain of water around the vessel’s perimeter, making it difficult for small craft to approach and for attackers to climb aboard.
Electrified Barriers
Some vessels install electrified fencing systems that deliver non-lethal shocks to anyone attempting to climb over deck rails. These systems can be activated when the vessel enters high-risk areas and deactivated for normal port operations.
Acoustic Devices
Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) can project warning messages and painful noise levels at approaching vessels. While not physically stopping an attack, they provide another layer of deterrence and clear warning.
The Citadel: Last Resort Protection
Perhaps the most important passive security measure is the citadel—a hardened compartment where crew can shelter if pirates succeed in boarding. Properly designed citadels provide:
- Ballistic protection against small arms fire
- Secure communications to contact naval forces
- Supplies for extended occupation
- Control over ship’s propulsion to prevent pirates from taking the vessel
The citadel concept proved its worth repeatedly during the Somali piracy crisis. When crews successfully reached their citadel and disabled the ship’s engines, pirates found themselves aboard a drifting vessel with military forces responding. Unable to navigate to port or negotiate from a position of strength, they often abandoned the ship.
Citadel Design Requirements
An effective citadel must be:
- Quickly accessible – Crew must be able to reach it before boarders can intercept
- Resistant to forced entry – Heavy steel doors and reinforced walls
- Self-sufficient – Food, water, and sanitation for the entire crew
- Equipped for communication – Satellite phone, VHF radio, and SSAS activation
- Capable of disabling the vessel – Engine controls or fuel shutoffs to prevent movement
Navigational Security
Beyond physical measures, vessels can reduce risk through careful passage planning and navigation practices.
Speed is security. Most pirate craft cannot catch a vessel making 18 knots or more. Ships capable of high sustained speeds are inherently less vulnerable than slower vessels.
Distance from shore matters in regions where pirates operate from coastal bases. Routing further offshore increases transit time but reduces vulnerability to attack.
Convoy operations coordinate multiple vessels transiting together, with naval escort when available. This approach was particularly effective in the Gulf of Aden, where naval forces established a Maritime Security Corridor that concentrated protection resources.
Reporting and Coordination
Maritime security depends on information sharing. Vessels transiting high-risk areas should:
- Register with UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) before entering risk zones
- Report any suspicious activity immediately
- Monitor piracy warning broadcasts
- Participate in naval coordination programs
The Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa coordinates naval forces from multiple nations, providing 24-hour monitoring and response capability. Similar structures exist for other high-risk regions.
The Crew’s Role
Even the best security measures fail without trained, aware crews. Security training should include:
- Recognition of approaching threats
- Emergency procedures and citadel access
- Communication protocols during attack
- Post-incident procedures
Drills should be conducted regularly, including realistic scenarios that test crew response times and coordination. When an attack actually occurs, muscle memory from repeated practice can be the difference between successful defense and disaster.
Cost-Benefit Realities
Maritime security represents a significant cost for ship operators. Armed teams may cost $30,000 to $50,000 per transit. Physical security modifications require capital investment and ongoing maintenance. Routing changes may add days to voyages.
However, these costs pale against the consequences of a successful attack. Ransom payments have exceeded $10 million in some cases. Crew trauma, vessel damage, cargo loss, and reputation impacts multiply the true cost of piracy.
For vessels transiting known high-risk areas, investment in comprehensive security measures is not just prudent—it’s essential for protecting the lives of seafarers and the interests of all stakeholders in the maritime supply chain.
