VESSEL SECURITY
Vessel Security encompasses a broad range of skills and areas of concern.
Security needs to be provided for the captain, crew, guests, as well as for the vessel.
Security is not about having bodyguards, armed and ready to shoot intruders – at least, not in the normal state of affairs.
Security should be a multi-layered ring around the vessel, encompassing mental attitudes as well as physical methods, equipment and techniques.
4 D’s OF VESSEL DEFENSE
We like to refer to the layers of defense as the 4 D’s – Detect, Deter, Delay and Defend.
Detect – accomplished from a distance (ideally). Using both equipment (such as radar) and human skills (awareness). If detected, does the threat go away, or do you move to the next layer.
Deter – accomplished from a bit closer than detection range. Using both equipment (such as lighting) and human skills (physical presence). Does the presence of aware people make the threat depart and look for other prey?
Delay – accomplished much closer than deterrence. Using both equipment (such as locks) and human skills (piloting a zig-zag course). Does this delay the criminal in his approach? Most criminals want an easy and quick time on target.
Defend – the last layer in our ring. This can be done from a distance (firearms, LRAD-type systems) or close (armed and unarmed defense methods). Obviously, the last place we want to be – but we need skills and strategies to utilize in worst case scenarios.
This has been a brief overview of the philosophy we utilize when dealing with vessel (and personal) defense.