murphy@hou2a.UUCP (R.GANNS) (10/11/83)
Thanks for the responses on pirates. I called the USCG
law enforcement people in Miami and was told the following:
1. There are no documented cases of smugglers using stolen boats,
i.e., no smugglers (drugs) have been caught using stolen boats.
2. Poor seamanship is responsible for most loss of boats and life.
3. Nevertheless, one should be careful to avoid Cuban waters such
as the old Bahama channel, for obvious reasons.
4. furthermore, in this same general area, when at anchor at night,
an AWAKE on-deck watch should be posted, with a light also on
deck.
5. Carrying a firearm is a good idea (with the usual caveats), but
be sure to check ahead with the tourist counsel of any countries
you intend to visit for regulations on guns (Not allowed in
Jamaica).
6. File a float plan with a friend along with a detailed description
of your boat and its gear; arrange to phone in regularly as
to confirm everything's going as scheduled (tough order).
The conversation with the USCG and responses from others lead one to
believe that piracy is not a serious problem, at least in waters near
the U.S. As far as other parts of the world go, who knows? Tristan Jones
mentions in his book "One Hand For Yourself, One For The Ship" that he
considers carrying firearms a bad idea due to potentially disastrous
legal troubles, and recommends carrying a few sticks of dynamite in areas
such as off Columbia and eastern waters: "A stick of dynamite, lit,
thrown into the wheelhouse of an aggressor craft, can work wonders of
discouragement on the vile practice of piracy"; one presumes that he
speaks from experience.