GHOST. Photo: Juliet Marine Systems

The number of threats posing significant risks to maritime security these days seems to be never ending, always changing, and rapidly growing.  Pirates, rogue governments, terrorism; all seem to be organizing an accelerating – and rather freighting – rate.  So what can we do?  Have the world navies place destroyers in every vital waterway, every ocean or body of water in the world? It would be nice, depending on who you talk to, but unrealistic.  The issue has led a number of private companies come up with their own solutions.  Some have been good, a lot have been bad, and many have been downright ridiculous.

Now enter GHOST.  Developed by the privately held Juliet Marine Systems, a technology systems company based in Portsmouth, NH, the company believes they have the solution for many of the increasing threats to maritime security.

A view of the cockpit of GHOST. Photo: Juliet Marine Systems

Described as an attack helicopter on water, GHOST is a high-speed attack craft specifically designed to protect vital waterways like the Straits of Hormuz and counter threats such as piracy.  With swarm attacks and close-to-shore operation in mind, the GHOST was designed with speed, maneuverability, endurance and the ability to carry a hefty payload.

JMS says that, deployed, GHOST would have the capability to conduct long duration patrols and missions, adding that two squadrons of GHOSTs operating from Bahrain or Djibouti could effectively provide protection to destroyers or cruisers operating within the region.

“No country would be able to keep Iran from closing the Straits of Hormuz without conflict with Iran’s small high-speed boats,” said JMS President and CEO, Gregory Sancoff.  “These swarm attacks are the Navy’s equivalent of the IED. GHOST is the counter-IED solution to this hit and run attack weapon.”

As for the GHOST’s firepower, JMS says the possibilities are endless and the company is currently seeking a weapons integrator.  The vessel is designed to conceal all weaponry in enclosed bays allowing for an improved radar cross section, reducing GHOST’s radar signature significantly.

So is GHOST practical in the field and a promising solution for maritime security in the Straits of Hormuz or Gulf of Aden? We’ll just have to wait and see.  But, one is for sure… the thing looks pretty cool.

GHOST during sea trials. Photo: Juliet Marine Systems

Thor Liberty – Photo by Laurie Gilbert

An Isle Of Mann-registered ship was detained by authorities in Finland last week for smuggling missiles and explosives out of the country.

The vessel was stopped and the local bomb squad called in when officials at the port of Kotka found sixty nine Patriot defense missiles and 150 tonnes of general explosives on board.  According to Petri Lounatmaa a Finnish Customs spokesman, investigating officers did not know the origin of the missiles or who was supposed to receive them.   “We have impounded the explosives and missiles and asked the Defense Ministry to transport and store them.”  Mr. Lounatmaa told the New York Times.

Alarms sounded in the port shortly after dock workers discovered explosive material stored on open pallets which lead police to conduct a search of the ship’s cargo containers. What they found shocked them. Inside containers labeled and manifested as “fireworks” where highly sophisticated Patriot defense missiles.

Initial evidence suggests that the missiles might have originated from an official shipment of missiles from Germany to South Korea but the facts remain unclear. Also unclear is the port of destination. The vessel’s managers, Greenstar Steamship Company of Germany, where not available for comment.

Finland says that the ship and her Ukrainian crew are now free to leave, following an operation to repack the explosives safely in metal containers.  The missiles and the both the ship’s captain and first mate are being held in custody however until further evidence is collected.

The Office of Specialized Capabilities (CG-721) is located in Coast Guard headquarters and reports directly to the Assistant Commandant for Capability, Rear Admiral Vincent Atkins, but works with all CG departments to develop weapons, ammunition, and dive capabilities for use worldwide. The team has a number of projects under development, but the latest project is the LA-51, officially known as Less Lethal Warning Munitions, used for non-compliant vessel interdiction. In simple terms, the LA-51 is meant to get your attention.

Being the Coast Guard, the military structure of the organization is always balanced with a goal to save and protect seafarers. The CG certainly has powerful weapons capable of protecting of the nation during times of war, but most of their operations are focused on saving lives, not taking them, A\and the LA-51 supports this objective.

Fired from a standard shotgun, the LA-51 is a two-part round, the first being standard to all shotgun munitions… a casing and charge to encase and propel the round to its target up to 200 meters away.  The second part, the projectile, is non-standard. Comprised of pyrotechnics and a time delay, the projectile of an LA-51 round hesitates for a brief moment before exploding in a brilliant, and deafening thunder of smoke and noise.  It is a non-lethal weapon used for getting the attention of non-responsive vessels.

The LA-51 is not a new type of ammunition;  it is already used by the US Navy and special operations forces worldwide.  Speaking from his office in Washington, Lt. Cmdr Kenneth Nagie CG-7211, briefly discussed how CG-721 works with other enforcement agencies, like Customs And Border Protection, and the military through the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate, spearheaded by the US Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia.  Lt. Cmdr Nagie says, “Various units in the Coast Guard have been working since the mid-90s exploring ways to fill a gap between lethal and non-lethal weapons, but these functions were merged into CG-721 at its formation in 2009.”

This is not the US Coast Guard’s first non-lethal weapon.

According to Nagie, the USCG is currently using various means to deal with suspects in the most humane way possible. Simplest in design are handcuffs for basic restraint, however units do carry more sophisticated non-lethal devices, although the particular details are under development.

“The LA-51 is a project we want people to know about” says Nagie. “The primary purpose of the LA-51 is to get a vessel’s attention and determine intent.” Certainly a different perspective from the military shock-and-awe tactical use for related Flash Bang devices.

Non-lethal weapon development is only one part of CG-721’s job, the office also works on weapon systems with more aggressive capabilities including the Gyro Stabilized Weapons System (GSWS).

Those who follow US Navy operations are familiar with the close-in weapon system referred by most as CIWS (pronounced Sea-Whizz). Developed as the last line of ship defense, the CIWS is an automated Gatling Gun capable of independently detecting and engaging hostile targets (such as missiles)  and unloading an incredible firestorm of precisely targeted 20mm tungsten rounds, all without human intervention. Being the Coast Guard, the GSWS only matches the Navy’s device in broad similarity.

Rather than being fully automated, the GSWS is only assisted by computerized systems, its operation remains under the control of a qualified gunner, but these systems do automate many of the processes like target acquisition and ranging. The Coast Guard denied comment on specifics of the weapon, which is still in the early development stages, but you can expect thermal imaging and other modern systems to be incorporated in the device. Despite the GSWS’s design as a decidedly lethal weapon, the drive for it’s development is one of protecting, not taking, human life. “The system allows the gunner to operate the weapon remotely and from a protected position”.

While gCaptain still loves the science behind super weapons, like the Navy’s new Free Electron Laser, we are pleased that the Coast Guard is taking a different route in Research And Development. While many of CG-721’s other projects remain classified, we are sure they remain true to their mission of keeping our waterways and mariners safe.

The MSC approved an MSC Circular on Interim guidance to shipowners, ship operators, and shipmasters on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships in the High Risk Area, and Interim recommendations for flag States on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships in the High Risk Area. Both sets of guidance are aimed at addressing the complex issue of the employment of private, armed security on board ships.

The guidance notes that flag State jurisdiction and any laws and regulations imposed by the flag State concerning the use of private security companies apply to their vessels. Port and coastal States’ laws may also apply to such vessels.

The guidance notes that the use of privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) should not be considered as an alternative to the Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy off the Coast of Somalia and in the Arabian Sea area (BMP) and other protective measures. Placing armed guards on board as a means to secure and protect the vessel and its crew should only be considered after a risk assessment has been carried out. It is also important to involve the Master in the decision making process.   The guidance includes sections on risk assessment, selection criteria, insurance cover, command and control, management and use of weapons and ammunition at all times when on board and rules for the use of force as agreed between the shipowner, the private maritime security company and the Master.

The interim recommendations for flag States recommend that flag States should have in place a policy on whether or not the use of PCASP will be authorized and, if so, under which conditions. A Flag State should take into account the possible escalation of violence which could result from the use of firearms and carriage of armed personnel on board ships when deciding on its policy.  The recommendations are not intended to endorse or institutionalize the use of PCASP and do not address all the legal issues that might be associated with their use onboard ships.

An intersessional meeting of the Working Group on Maritime Security and Piracy will meet  in the week commencing 12 September 2011,  to develop recommendations to Governments (flag, port and coastal States) on the use of PCASP; review the interim guidance to shipowners, ship operators and shipmasters on the use of PCASP for any consequential amendments;  agree an MSC circular for the promulgation of the recommendations to Governments on the use of PCASP;  if necessary, agree a revised MSC circular on Guidance to shipowners, ship operators and shipmasters on the use of PCASP; and identify any necessary consequential amendments to the Recommendations to Governments for preventing and suppressing piracy and armed robbery against ships  (MSC.1/Circ.1333) and the Guidance to shipowners and ship operators, shipmasters and crews on preventing and suppressing acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships (MSC.1/Circ.1334).

The MSC also adopted an MSC resolution on Implementation of Best Management Practice guidance, which strongly urges all parties concerned to take action to ensure better implementation of these important measures, recognising the urgent need for merchant shipping to take every possible measure to protect itself from pirate attack and that effective self-protection is the key to avoiding, evading and deterring pirate attacks.

The resolution strongly urges all those concerned to take action to ensure that as a minimum and as recommended in the Best Management Practices: ships’ masters receive updated information before and during sailing through the defined High Risk Area; ships register with the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa and report to United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Dubai; and ships effectively implement all recommended preventive, evasive and defensive measures.

The MSC also agreed Guidelines to assist in the investigation of the crimes of piracy and armed robbery against ships, which are intended to be used in conjunction with resolution A.1025(26) Code of Practice for the Investigation of the Crimes of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships. The guidelines are intended to assist an investigator to collect evidence, including forensic evidence, to support the submission of written reports which may assist in the subsequent identification, arrest and prosecution of the pirates that held the vessel and crew captive. Formats for crew statements and logging of evidence are included, as well as guidelines on recovery and packaging of exhibits such as blood, clothing and weapons.

IMO Secretary-General Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos welcomed the progress made by the Committee in addressing the piracy issue.

“I am pleased with the progress the Committee was able to make on all the piracy related items it had set out to consider during the session and, in particular, on the development of guidance to the industry and recommendations to flag States on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on ships scheduled to sail through Indian Ocean areas exploited by pirates launching their operations from Somalia or mother ships.  The decision of the Committee to convene an intersessional working group in September to draft guidance to flag, port and coastal States shows its determination to deal with this sensitive issue in the most expeditious and effective manner,” he said.

“I also welcome the Committee’s decision to promote wider compliance of merchant ships with the industry Best Management Practice guidance, as I believe that their diligent implementation will contribute substantially to keeping pirates at bay,” Mr. Mitropoulos said

The number of acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships reported to the  Organization and which occurred in 2010 was 489, against 406 during the previous year, an increase of 20.4% from the figure for 2009. The areas most affected (i.e. five incidents reported or more) in 2010 were East Africa and the Indian Ocean followed by the Far East and, in particular, the South China Sea, West Africa, South America and the Caribbean. During the year, it was reported that two crew members were killed and 30 crew members were reportedly injured/assaulted, while 1,027 crew members were reportedly taken hostage or kidnapped. Fifty-seven vessels were reportedly hijacked, with one vessel reportedly still unaccounted for.

In the first four months of 2011, 214 incidents were reported to the Organization.

Via IMO

The micro-robotic company ReconRobotics has developed what they hope is the new standard in piracy reconnaissance aboard ship, the Recon Scout Throwbot piracy reconnaissance system.  The system is based on a tiny, 1.2 lb. robot equipped with magnetic wheels that will, among other things, allow the remotely controlled robot to climb up and over the hull of a ship.  The company believes the prototype micro-robot platform could have immediate applications in maritime piracy interdiction and in protecting the lives of shipboard military personnel.

The magnetized robot is uses the Recon Scout Throwbot platform, which is widely used by military and law enforcement personnel to conduct immediate reconnaissance within dangerous and hostile environments. These robots are distinguished by their small size, rugged durability, versatility and ease of use. For example, the Recon Scout XT weighs just 1.2 pounds, can be deployed in five seconds and can survive throws of 120 feet. Like the Recon Scout XT, the magnetized concept robot is also equipped with an infrared optical system that enables it to see in complete darkness.

What do you think, can this new micro-robotic system get its sea legs?

Via ReconRobotics

To get in the game, Mace Personal Defense Inc manufacturer of Mace brand pepper spray, has teamed up with Shipboard Defense Systems, a firm specializing in non-lethal vessel protection, to develop an on-board system to repel pirates similar to the point and spray solution proven effective by helpless women, the paranoid public, and law enforcement everywhere.

The system is designed with 300 gallon pressurized tanks that, when activated, disperses a “RAINSTORM” of Mace pepper spray solution into the $$$-filled eyes of approaching pirates.  The solution, applied properly, will cause shortness of breath, intense eye irritation, obscured vision, burning and inflammation for up to 45 minutes.

Dennis Raefield, Mace’s CEO says, “The Mace-SDS solution is unique because it allows ships’ personnel to repel boarders, and avoids the issue of arming vessels with guns. In addition, the SDS system is mounted on the perimeter of the ship and does not affect sea worthiness or require bulkhead penetrations. At Mace, we see significant potential if SDS becomes widely adopted. It offers a real solution to an escalating problem.”

Of course the hopes are that the system will become widely adopted, and it may, but we think it could be a while before your captain starts using the word “rainstorm” synonymous with deterring pirates.

BMP3 has got nothing on on manikins!

Piracy worldwide is on the rise according to reports from the ICC’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB), with 430 attacks worldwide reported last year, up from 406 in 2009. As pirates increase their range of operations and their capabilities, commercial shipping agents are increasingly looking for ways of preventing attacks whilst avoiding armed guards on their ships.

In order to help combat the growing piracy threat BAE Systems conducted a study of pirate’s behaviour and a company-wide capability survey. This led to the development of the concept of using a non-lethal laser, which would leave only temporary effects, to distract and deter potential attackers from a distance.

Leveraging the capability of its Optics and Laser Technology Department within its Advanced Technology Centre, BAE System’s researchers conducted a number of experiments to assess the feasibility of laser distraction as a non-lethal weapon. The research team has now successfully demonstrated a suitable laser at the Pershore Trials Range in Worcester over a variety of distances in a variety of conditions.

The laser beam is capable of providing a visual warning to pirates at distances greater than 2km, and of disorientating attackers sufficiently at lesser distances so that weapons cannot be targeted effectively. At all times the power levels of the laser remain eye safe.

Roy Evans, BAE Systems capability technology lead for laser photonic systems, said: “The effect is similar to when a fighter pilot attacks from the direction of the sun. The glare from the laser is intense enough to make it impossible to aim weapons like AK47s or RPGs, but doesn’t have a permanent effect.”

The laser was trialled during night and day in varying weather conditions at the Worcester facility. Cameras were placed at the target location to demonstrate the level of beam intensity and divergence produced by the test runs. Beam oscillation techniques were also demonstrated.

The researchers have developed a bespoke Neodymium Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser which is an effective deterrent at relatively low power levels. By utilising targeting systems and changing beam patterns, the distraction effect can be made more pronounced and be used against multiple targets.

Evans continued: “We successfully showed that the laser works not just during the night, but also in full daylight. But, there are many more requirements to meet before placing a non-lethal laser weapon on commercial ships.”

When fitted on commercial ships the laser distraction system could utilise its own targeting capability or integrate with existing ship radar and sensor systems to control the direction and power of the beam. It could therefore work semi-autonomously and would also include security features to ensure it could not be used by pirates if they boarded the ship.

Bryan Hore, BAE Systems business development manager and the lead for the anti-piracy programme, said: “Laser distraction is part of a wider programme of anti-piracy technologies being developed by BAE Systems, including radar systems, which utilises expertise and knowledge from the military domain. The aim of the laser distraction project is now to develop a non-lethal deterrent to pirates, which has no lasting effects, which can work in a maritime environment, be operated by the crew at no risk, and be cost effective.”

[Source: BAE Systems]

gCaptain has covered nearly every anti-piracy measure from weapons (both lethal and non-lethal) to Molotov Cocktails and safe rooms. Many have asked readers to decide which ideas are best but no one has yet to ask the, potentially more important, question; which ideas are the worst?

Please be sure to leave your reasons in the comment section below.

No reader of this blog needs to be told that the risk from Piracy is real and growing.  We have seen it change from something that only happens in movies to the cold reality of US Navy SEALs shooting three Pirates dead and millions of dollars in ransom paid out.  If you are a ship owner you have seen your costs escalate steadily when traveling through high-risk areas.  Though the numbers might vary, a doubling of cost over the past two years is not out of the question.

The response to this threat has been documented here on gCaptain repeatedly and, pending developments, the consensus concerning the appropriate response appears to be one that is restrained.  Enter the “Less Lethal” suppliers.  These companies provide munitions for crowd control as well as the weapons that project them.

A relatively recent entrant to this arena is Bates & Dittus LLC, a company based in Connecticut, USA.  B&D manufactures a line of launchers that have found acceptance both with police and SWAT teams as well as companies that provide High Seas Security.  
One of their clients, who only hire former SOF and experienced law enforcement officers, use such devices as part of a layered approach to high seas security.

The flexibility of these weapons is something that is attractive to users as well as the fact that they do not require licenses (at least in the US).  As such they can be purchased over the counter and included in ships stores as simple flare launchers.  The thinking is that firing “disruptive” rounds, such as flares, flash-bangs and smoke, can create a threatening environment that would deter the potential depredations of the pirates, and with no loss of life.

The TBL-37 Tactical Launcher (pictured above) manufactured by Bates & Dittus is not limited to just shipboard operations.  Catalina Aircraft Trust, LLC plans on equipping their new turboprop amphibious patrol aircraft with multiple tactical launchers (2 launchers on board the aircraft and 1 launcher in the under wing mounted RHIB) to give the aircrew the flexibility of dispensing multiple types of tactical rounds to support various maritime missions from search & rescue to anti-piracy interdiction.

It seems that this approach, as exemplified by the products of Bates and Dittus LLC, represents a cost effective intermediate step between paying a ransom and opening fire with lethal weapons.

More information can be read at www.BatesAndDittus.com

Pictured above: The TBL-37 is a launcher chambered in 37mm and made to the highest standards of American workmanship. Constructed of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum and 4140 hardened steel, it is rugged while maintaining a reasonable weight. The standard finish is matte black.

There is a full barrel length Picatinny rail on the top and a short rail under the muzzle. These allow the owner to interchange accessories thus providing the ultimate in flexibility.” (from www.BatesandDittus.com)