Safeguarding Your Yacht from Intruders

Luxury yachts hold many items that are attractive to thieves. Most problems with intruders happen while you're moored up at the dock. There are various alarm systems that can help keep intruders off your yacht.

Most land-based security systems do not work well on yachts. Often you'll have lots of people coming and going. Workmen, crew, sales people, technicians, delivers, guests and families all need access. Because of all the traffic, land-based type systems rarely get used. If the system is turned off, it won't keep your yacht safe. You need an early detection system which offers immediate notification for a proper verified response.

You need to make sure the system is marine grade with explosion and waterproof components. Under deck sensors with annunciation alarms can warn intruders in many languages. Cameras can track intruders while system notifies you pager or phone. Some systems can also monitor smoke, fire, high water levels, loss of power, low battery voltage and drifting.

You should have an entrance system at the gangway with an access control device and intercom call box. These devices can keep a record of who comes and goes. Use coded keypads or programmable card readers to control access to the main entry, engine room, and owner and guest areas. All entry ways should be monitored including gangways, walkways, the swim platform, aft deck areas and the foredeck.

Some systems will even allow access from the Internet. You can view the status and arm or disarm the system remotely. This is especially useful for yacht charter companies.

You can also get a 9000 volt electric fence that connects to your yacht railing. This is promoted as effective in repelling boarding attempts at sea. However, the best way to prevent piracy at sea is to avoid problem areas such as the Southern Philippines, the China Sea, Malacca Straits, and the east African coast near the Horn of Africa.

If you must go into dangerous waters, go with other boats. When anchoring your yacht at night, don't display any lights. Firearms aren't much help when faced with professional pirates. Their vessels usually have a 50 caliber machine gun mounted on the craft and a crew of 20 or so armed with AK47s or the equivalent. You can't hope to match the firepower. A hand gun is only really useful for repelling intruders while moored in a marina. You have to surrender guns as a condition of entry into most countries. You risk your yacht being confiscated if any ammo or guns are found or if you shoot your firearm. Most experienced yacht owners agree that the risks outweigh the benefits.

While sailing in the Blue Water Rally, the occupants of the Gypsy Moth IV and other yachts knew they were sailing into dangerous waters around the Gulf of Aden. Six yachts joined up hoping to deter any attacks through shear numbers. When they spotted an approaching craft, they closed formation. In one case this was enough to get the intruders to back off. In another incident they sent out a mayday and headed straight at the strange vessel. They also spotted a warship on the horizon. They contacted this American Assault ship who sent out their Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) armed to the teeth and full of US Marines. The pirate boats retreated.

If you see a hostile craft approach, use the red emergency button on your radio to send out an alarm signal. If you are boarded, cooperate.

Remember that pirates are more interested in small freighters or tankers. Those vessels provide better rewards.

Learn more about this author, Lynn Jordan.
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