This article was taken from the November 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online. "Big" Phil Campion -- a mercenary and former SAS soldier -- works the private-security circuit to protect everything from embassies to shipments in conflict zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza and Israel. He brags that he's never been kidnapped, captured, tortured or killed (obviously) -- "But I've come bloody close." One of his regular missions is to defend ships against pirates off the east coast of Africa: here's Campion's guide to keeping your crew safe
Harden your vessel
"Hardening" your ship means creating defences that are both a visual and physical deterrent. "If you don't have access to expensive gear, you can make do with improvised, A-Team-style defences," Campion, 44, suggests. He's used anti-climb spike barriers, electric fences and what he calls the "bouncing bomb" -- an empty oil-barrel on a rope, flung over the side. "A line of these thumping along the side of the ship will make most attackers think twice."
Call the pirates' bluff
"Most pirates are only interested in easy targets, so if you put out a strong 'don't mess' message, a lot of them will back off," says Campion. Lining the deck with dummies to make it look like there are more people on board is a good tactic, especially if they're equipped with fake weapons: "I'm a dab hand at knocking up a fake AK-47 from a bit of cardboard." It doesn't matter if it's not so convincing close up -- you're aiming to keep the pirates at a distance.
Secure the citadel
Every ship will have somewhere below deck that can be used as a safe room. This is where the crew should hunker down if pirates board. "Make sure you have welding gear and enough material to make an effective barricade that will keep the bad guys out until help arrives," says Campion. After all, it's the crew that has ransom value -- the ship will be covered by insurance. These defences can be made offensive if you manage to lure and lock an attacker inside...
Prepare to defend yourself
The law is far from straightforward regarding firearms on ships, so check the vessel's rules and the regulations in any ports you'll be stopping at. If you can't take your own weapons, floating armouries in international waters will loan you anything from guns to body armour and extra manpower. Otherwise, use on-board equipment, such as flares or makeshift petrol bombs. "Of course, these days it is now a lot easier to hire professionals," says Campion. "Like me."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
