Shipboard Anti-Pirate Measures

Shipboard Anti-Pirate Measures
Captain Smith held an informational update today in the lounge to tell us what measures are being taken to insure safe passage from the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea through the area called, in the shipping world, the transit zone.
When the ship was docked in Dubai, the head of the safe passage system came aboard to give our Captain details and methods to put in place to assure the maximum amount of safety to the passengers. They also exchanged telephone numbers and the Captain will call him several times a day to tell him where our ship is located to arrange for the proper escort.
When vessels approach the transit zone, similar ships transiting at the same speed, gather together at Point B and will be escorted by the Military vessels through to Point A. First will be the ships going 5-6 knots, then the ships going 8-10 knots, etc. which are the most vulnerable. Ships in our category going 18 knots will be last and are least likely to be boarded because of our fast speed.
At least 10,000 small fishing boats will be passed between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea and the Captain showed photos of the difference between fishing boats and gun boats – namely, the gun boats have ladders. He assured us that fish cannot climb ladders. The Services desk has received over 200 calls from passengers regarding sightings of small boats. Captain Smith asked the passengers to keep an eye out, but not to Cry Wolf.
Azamara Cruises has hired a private gun boat (costing what a crew member would need to purchase a house), to follow the ship through the transit zone. While transiting, we will have our ship dark and will have our cabin curtains drawn for a minimum of light.
Maximum precautions are being taken. The Ocean Princess that had docked in front of our ship decided not to go to Alexandria Egypt because of the pirates. However, we have a very young Captain – 36 years old and likes adventure in his life. We’re scheduled for transit Sunday evening; Sunday morning California time.
By the way…the current ocean water temp is 91 degrees. We’d jump over and swim but we’re afraid of the pirates and the sharks. Right!!
(Maggie, Maria, Rosie and Dianne…Leila is taking our Mah Jongg money! )
Bye for now; turning out the lights.
Six BMK Travelers