Here in the United States, when we think of pirates, we usually think of Captain Hook, Johnny Depp or long ago myths. However, in many parts of the world, and even in our own waters, pirates are a real risk. They may not say "Aye, Matey" and make people walk the plank, but this latest generation of pirates is much more dangerous, and a real risk to boaters.

Looking at the recent drama in Somalia, where a crew of pirates took over a ship, killed a crewman and demanded $20 million, it is clear that pirates are not just storybook figments. They are real, and no matter what hemisphere you'll be boating in, it makes sense to be prepared and to know how to protect yourself, your guests and your ship.

The first step is to stay informed about what is going on in your waters. You can learn more about any risks you may be facing by getting in touch with the Coast Guard, or in many cases, simply by watching the news. If you know that you will be in a high risk area, you can either change your plans or take appropriate cautionary measures.

Since we can't really lug cannons on to our boats, it is necessary to take other measures in order to stay safe, no matter where you will be traveling. These safety tips are universal and will help you stay out of trouble whether you're dealing with pirates, bad weather or any other disaster that can happen at sea.

1. Always carry an alternative means of communication. While your ship's radio is very powerful, you can't guarantee that it will always work. Bring a cell phone with you and keep it handy at all times. Get a list of all the emergency numbers you'll need, and a list of radio contacts. These should be laminated to keep them easy to read and should be posted in a few different locations.

2. Never allow anyone to pull alongside you. Unless you actually know the crew of the boat, never let anyone approach you where they will have a chance to board your ship. Today's pirates carry automatic weapons and they are not people that you want to mess with. If you see a suspicious ship in the area, or if you are concerned, contact the coast guard immediately.

3. Avoid uncharted waters. While it is fun to explore and let the wind take you where it will, if you are unfamiliar with an area, it is best to stay out of it. Before you head into any unknown waters, go through your charts, plan a safe route as well as an escape route.

4. Keep your ship fully fueled and ready to go. If you are in a position of having to outrun a suspicious ship, you need to have your craft ready to go. Don't go out on the water if you are low on fuel, or if your ship has been having problems.

By following these easy tips, you can be assured that you'll be prepared for whatever may happen.

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Boating, News, pirates

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