Are modern yacht designs making them vulnerable for attack?

Most superyachts are designed with large swim platforms that give easy access to the water for guests to swim, use toys and to board tenders, however these convenient designs also give easy access to potential attackers.

Edurne del Rio, from leading marine security company Marine Armor System spoke to Yachting Pages Media Group and explained that even though yachts are designed for easy access, there are ways to make the yacht completely inaccessible under pirate attacks.

“Yachts have become more vulnerable due to the high value and the wealthy individuals on board. The industry is now seeking options to prepare their yachts against pirate attacks, and those who already have some sort of security system are looking to improve them during their refit season.”

One effective solution present by Edurne is creating a 'Citadel' for the crew but also securing all possible access areas, effectively converting the yacht itself into a solid bunker where crew and valuable items would be protected in just 10 seconds. This must be done according to the emergency and lifesaving plan of the yacht,  giving the crew a special escape route to the tenders if necessary.

“This non-lethal automatic protection system shields the most vulnerable areas on all varieties of vessels in just a few seconds with ballistic blinds.”

However even with this system installed the biggest danger to superyachts in terms of pirate attacks is crew complacency. Crew need to be security aware and report the things they see.

The yachting industry is reacting to this need thanks to an update the standards of training certification and watchkeeping (STCW) requirements. The 2010 STCW Manila amendments will require crew to have additional security certification before December 31, 2016.

For more information visit Marine Armor System.

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