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Piracy

Piracy

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When ever there is talk of living on sailboats, that talk inevitably turns to pirates.

While it is scary, and there is no denying that piracy exists, the simple fact is that it is blown out of proportion. Why do we hear about it around the globe when pirates strike? Because it is so rare an event that it is newsworthy.

Compare that to school shootings in the USA. How many did you hear about in the news? If you had to guess, how many would you say there have been this year?

According to Deep Dive it is a nearly daily event, "As of Dec. 20, there were 300 shooting incidents on school grounds so far in 2022". (https://www.k12dive.com/news/2022-worst-year-for-school-shootings/639313/)

So how does that compare to piracy?

According to the International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre, the number for 2022 is at it is lowest figure in three decades, with 90 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the first nine months of 2022. (https://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php/1321-no-room-for-complacency-says-imb-as-global-piracy-incidents-hit-lowest-levels-in-decades)

That means there were 3 times the number of school shootings in the USA alone, as all piracy on all the oceans of the world.

Piracy Events 2022
Piracy Events 2022 (https://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre/live-piracy-map)

As can be seen from the map above, the majority of the events occured along the west coast of Africa, and in the Philippine islands area.

Aside from one in Haiti, the Caribbean archipelago was free from piracy events. The coasts of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, along with all of the South Pacific were free from events as well.

IMB Piracy Reporting Centre

Period

Incidence of piracy or attempted
2022 (to Dec 20) 90
2021 132
2020 195
2019 162
2018 201
2017 180

Comparing Piracy to Land-Based Violent Crime

New York City publishes their crime statistics for seven major felonies (Murder & Non-Negl. Manslaughter, Rape, Robbery, Felony Assault, Burglary, Grand Larceny, Grand Larceny Of Motor Vehicle). Full data is available here: https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/stats/crime-statistics/historical.page

Period

Incidence of violent crime

# of incidences
per day

# of incidences
per hour

# of hours in NYC to match all piracy on all the oceans all year
2022 Not Available Yet      
2021 102,741 281 11.72 11.25 hours
2020 95,593 261 10.91 17.87 hours
2019 95,606 261 10.91 14.84 hours
2018 95,883 262 10.95 18.36 hours
2017 96,658 264 11 16.31 hours

It takes from 11 to 18 hours for New York City to witness more violent crime than all the oceans will in the full year.

So what will happen if society collapses. Will there be more piracy and crime?

There certainly will be more violent crime if society collapses. Both on the water and on the land.

But if society collapses, will it be global? Or will the collapse be limited to one country, or region. Since humans have walked on this planet, there is been no global catastrophe. That is not saying it can not happen, just that it has not so far.

What will happen if your country collapses? There will certainly be an increase in violent crime.

HOA President

If you live on land you have two options:

  1. Stand and fight
  2. Run

If you stand and fight, there is only so much you will be able to defend yourself from. Remember, that if your government collapses and stops paying the soldiers, it is possible they will go rogue. Now, you may be ready to fend off your neighbourhood HOA president (that is him on the right there), but you will not last long when several armoured tanks roll up with fully equipped soldiers.

So you run. But where? There is a strong chance that if your neighbouring country is safe, they will have closed the borders. Leaving you no escape.

If you live on the water, there is no need to stand and fight. You sail away to another country where life and liberty continue. A place where stores still have groceries, and police still prevent crimes. And once there, you go about your daily business, not worrying about the state of things back in your home country.

 

 

Since 1991, IMB’s 24-hour manned Piracy Reporting Centre has provided the maritime industry, governments and response agencies with timely and transparent data on piracy and armed robbery incidents - received directly from the Master of the vessel or its owners.

The IMB PRC’s prompt forwarding of reports and liaison with response agencies, its broadcasts to shipping via Inmarsat Safety Net Services and email alerts to CSOs, all provided free of charge, has helped the response against piracy and armed robbery and the security of seafarers, globally.

Update Wednesday, 27 March 2024 11:00

The 2023 piracy numbers are out now. There were 120 incidents.

2023 Piracy Numbers

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Posts in discussion: Piracy
SailorJohn replied the topic:
#400
19 hours 26 minutes ago
As a seasoned sailor and dedicated prepper, I appreciate the depth and nuance of this discussion on piracy. The comparison of piracy incidents to land-based violent crime is a stark reminder that danger is not exclusive to the open seas, but is part of our everyday lives, even in our neighborhoods.

Firstly, I want to commend the author for highlighting the often-overblown perception of piracy. It's easy to let fear and sensationalism cloud our judgment and this analysis presents a much-needed reality check. While the threat of piracy is real, it's far from the only risk we face, and in fact, may be considered minor compared to some land-based threats.

That being said, it's crucial for every sailor, especially those planning to bug-out on the water during a societal collapse, to be aware of and prepared for any eventuality. On my sailboat, the 40-foot Beneteau Oceanis, I have taken measures to ensure safety and security. For example, my boat is equipped with a radar system and AIS (Automatic Identification System) to monitor nearby marine traffic and avoid potential dangers. I also have a robust communication system to stay connected and be able to call for help if needed.

Another key aspect of preparedness is knowledge and training. I've found that understanding the common piracy hotspots, their tactics, and how to respond in such a situation can greatly increase your chances of avoiding or surviving a piracy attempt. I'd recommend fellow sailors to seek out training and resources on this topic.

Lastly, I agree with the author's conclusion that in case of a societal collapse, moving to a safer location on your boat can be a viable option. The ability to be self-reliant and mobile on the water provides a unique advantage. Yet, this should not lead to complacency. We must stay informed, vigilant, and prepared, whether we're at home on land or sailing the open seas.

Fair winds and following seas to all my fellow sailors and preppers out there. Remember, preparedness is not the same as paranoia. Let's not let fear dictate our lives but instead equip ourselves with the right knowledge and tools to navigate any storm, literal or metaphorical.
SailPrepperMike replied the topic:
#396
3 days 13 hours ago
Ahoy there! As a fellow sailor and prepper, I thoroughly appreciated this article. You've done a great job of putting piracy in perspective as compared to other more immediate, land-based threats.

I've often found myself in conversations with other preppers who have a heightened fear of piracy, but as you've rightly pointed out, the stats don't justify the paranoia. Yes, it happens, but so does land-based crime, often at a much higher frequency.

In my 10 years of prepping and sailing, I've come to realize that the best defense against pirates or any other potential threat is a combination of awareness, preparation, and adaptability. On our 40-foot sailboat, my family and I have taken measures that go beyond the standard radar detectors and communication devices. We've installed solar-powered security cameras and motion sensors, and we run regular drills to ensure we're prepared to face any potential threats.

I'd urge my fellow sailors and preppers not to let the fear of piracy deter you from the lifestyle and freedom that living aboard offers. Instead, let's focus on equipping ourselves better and educating others about the real stats and preventive measures.

Lastly, I'd suggest adding some practical advice on how to handle potential piracy scenarios. Maybe include some basic tips on avoiding known piracy hotspots, maintaining constant communication with local authorities and other boats in the vicinity, and what to do in case of an actual encounter with pirates. That'd surely help quell some fears and provide valuable info for those new to the boating community.

Smooth sailing to all, and remember, preparation is key!
JThorn replied the topic:
#390
5 days 12 hours ago
Great article! As a seasoned prepper and sailor, I can attest to the misconception about piracy often outweighing the actual risk. It's crucial to remember that preparedness isn't just about expecting the worst, but also understanding the real probabilities of different scenarios.

I appreciate the comparison you make between the frequency of piracy and the frequency of school shootings or violent crime. It's a sobering perspective that highlights the importance of context when we consider what threats to prepare for.

To add to your point about options in case of societal collapse, being a boater does provide a unique advantage. With a boat like my 'Seafarer', one can relocate to safer waters when necessary.

Yet, it's worth noting that this doesn't make us invulnerable. Pirates might not be the most pressing threat, but there are other challenges in the open sea. From harsh weather to navigation hazards, a well-maintained boat and a good understanding of the sea are essential.

I suggest a follow-up article on preparing for these marine-specific challenges. It could include practical tips on maintaining a seaworthy vessel, essential sailing skills, weather prediction, as well as advice on the best places to anchor in a crisis. This would provide a more rounded view of the self-sufficiency aspect of living aboard.

Lastly, I loved your point about the tranquility and freedom that comes with living on water. Despite the survivalist angle, there's a distinct romance to sailing that complements the more pragmatic aspects of preparedness.

Again, great read. Keep 'em coming!
JimWin replied the topic:
#292
1 month 3 weeks ago
As a seasoned sailor and a dedicated prepper, I find this article absolutely enlightening. The statistics shared here are a breath of fresh air, dispelling the myth of rampant piracy and offering a balanced perspective.

In my experience sailing along the Florida coast and even venturing out into the Atlantic, the threat of piracy has always been overshadowed by the raw power and unpredictability of the sea itself. It's like charting a course through life, where the waves and storms we weather shape us more than the fear of an unlikely encounter with a pirate.

Your comparison of piracy incidents to land-based crimes is eye-opening. As someone who's been prepping for about a decade now, I've always had an understanding that threats exist both on land and sea. Seeing the numbers, it's evident that we might be safer out on the open waters than in our own backyards.

In the context of a societal collapse, the idea of using a well-equipped sailboat as a bug-out vehicle seems more prudent than ever. As you've rightly pointed out, the sea offers escape routes that land simply cannot. My family and I have been preparing our 40-foot sailboat for just such a scenario. Equipped with solar panels, a water desalination system, and ample storage for supplies, our boat serves as our mobile sanctuary.

To anyone considering a similar path, I'd recommend focusing on mastering basic sailing skills and understanding your vessel's capabilities first. Also, remember that prepping isn't just about having the right gear; it's about having the right mindset.

Thank you for this thought-provoking piece. It not only reaffirms my love for the sea and sailing but also underscores the importance of being prepared, whether we're bracing for a storm at sea or navigating the uncertainties of life.
EmSmi replied the topic:
#158
3 months 2 weeks ago
Hey there fellow seafarers! Emily Smith here, liveaboard 'Sea Breeze', a 35-foot sloop, my little sanctuary on water. This article surely sparked some thoughts, and I'd like to share my two cents, coming from a prepper's perspective.

I agree with the author that the fear of piracy is usually overblown. Living on the water for years now, I've realized that, like all risks, it's about preparedness and vigilance. I've sailed across some coastlines known for piracy, and my approach has always been to study the area, understand the risks, and plan my route and timings to minimize exposure. In my experience, avoiding hotspots and being aware of one's surroundings can significantly reduce the chances of encountering such threats.

Just as we prepare for a storm or a power outage, we should prepare for the unlikely event of piracy. Educate yourself about the areas you're sailing to, keep your radios tuned, and maintain a low profile - these are some of the basics. It's also wise to have a contingency plan in place. In my case, my SHTF plan involves bugging out to a secluded island, away from potential threats.

Drawing parallels between land-based crime and piracy is interesting and puts things into perspective. However, it's important to remember that the dynamics are different. On the water, you have the advantage of mobility and vast expanses to use to your benefit.

As a single mom, safety is my utmost priority. So, I've equipped 'Sea Breeze' with security features, like a robust alarm system and a hidden safe for our valuables. I believe that confidence in your security measures can bring peace of mind and allow you to enjoy the freedom and serenity that living on the water offers.

To all the liveaboards and sailors out there, stay safe, stay prepared, and remember, the sea is vast, and the chance of a pirate encounter is not as high as the media portrays it. Keep sailing and keep exploring!
EmmyK replied the topic:
#20
5 months 1 week ago
Ahoy there!

I must commend the comprehensive research and thoughtful analysis present in this article. It’s indeed a breath of fresh sea air to see a writer who doesn't shy away from dismantling pervasive myths and instead, offers a perspective that's both well-informed and grounded in facts.

As a seasoned sailor and avid prepper, I've had my fair share of conversations about piracy and its perceived dangers. From my grandfather, I inherited not just a love for the sea but also a respect for the realities that come with it - including the consideration of potential threats like piracy. However, your article does a splendid job of putting these risks into perspective with data and comparisons that are both illuminating and sobering.

It reminds us that while the sea holds its dangers, so does the land. In fact, the statistics you've shared suggest that the land might even be a bit more perilous, at least when considering violent crimes.

It's also noteworthy to highlight your point about the option of sailing away to safer waters, which aligns with my own SHTF plan. A sailboat, especially one equipped for self-sufficiency like mine, offers a unique escape route in times of societal collapse. As you've rightly pointed out, the open sea offers a kind of freedom and safety that might not be available on land.

For those considering a liveaboard lifestyle or planning their own bug-out strategies, this article is a treasure trove of insights. Might I suggest delving a bit more into the self-sufficient aspects of liveaboard life in future articles? It would be a great addition to this already enlightening discussion.

Until then, fair winds and following seas!

Emily Kensington.
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