Combatting Piracy – The Expert View
The fight against global piracy is as old as the seas themselves. Recent years have seen huge increases in pirate attacks against commercial shipping and, while the risk of piracy off East Africa is now believed to be somewhat diminished, the threat remains in the region and the cost to the global economy has been estimated to be as much as $6 billion by Oceans Beyond Piracy in their 2012 report. Piracy in West Africa and the South China Sea, meanwhile, is very much on the increase.
Protecting your vessel against piracy and correctly identifying the piracy threat is key to safeguarding your ship and crew. Maritime Anti-Piracy, The Captain’s Guide Book, published by IMAAG aims to simplify the process.
Written by Peter King, a former Royal Marine and member of the UK’s Special Boat Service, this book provides not only a history of piracy worldwide, but also practical methods designed to protect mariners from the threat of piracy. Mr King, a Team Leader with respected maritime security company, Neptune Maritime Security, has transited the world’s High Risk Areas and brings a wealth of knowledge to his subject.
With a foreword by Admiral The Lord Boyce GCE OBE DL, the book begins with a brief history and modern piracy and then features fully illustrated chapters of direct use to all mariners.
The 380pp hardback contains sections on:
• Preventative measures and ship hardening
• Safe havens, safe areas and citadels
• Maritime law
• Pirate tactics and methods of boarding
• Open ended super yachts and similar vessels
• Passive defence methods
Well written and informative, full of statistics and full colour photos, Maritime Anti-Piracy, The Captain’s Guide Book is indispensible for any Master or mariner due to transit a High Risk Area, or for anyone interested in piracy.
About the author:
Peter King, the director of the International Maritime Anti-piracy Advisory Group (IMAAG), started life as a gamekeeper, and then joined the Royal Marines at the age of 19. Within his first five years of Commando service he saw action in Europe and Iraq during the first Gulf War. He spent much time on and off ships as well as 18 months as part of a 15-man, quick reaction security team on board HMS Invincible.
At age 24 he joined the Special Forces. For the rest of his colourful career he worked with other international maritime agencies both on and off the seas, spanning from South America, through North Africa to the sleepy creeks of Falmouth Harbour.  Whether pursuing drug dealers, terrorists or teaching young soldiers their boating skills, all would be invaluable experience for the commercial world.
Now working as a subject matter expert in maritime security, Peter has spent the last six years focusing on anti-piracy, helping clients to protect their people and assets in high-risk areas around the world. Other aspects of his work include surveillance, investigation, training, close protection and explosive demolition.
In 2008, it was apparent that there was need for an up-to-date, detailed guidebook to help fellow mariners when faced with security concerns such as armed pirates and robbers.  This book has been produced using his knowledge and experience, guidance from friends, Captains within the industry and agencies such as the IMB.
Please note that a percentage of any profit made from the sales of this book will go to the Help for Heroes and the Special Boat Service Association charities.
To order the book or contact the author, please visit: www.imaag.co.uk
Email: info@imaag.co.uk
